Digital device configuration and method

ABSTRACT

A digital data storage apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior. A rotatable magnetic media and head arrangement for accessing the media are supported in the housing interior. A flexible circuit stiffener defines a stiffener plane and is directly attached to the housing. A ramp arrangement is directly attachable to the flexible circuit stiffener and is configured for receiving the actuator arm in a parked position when so attached. The ramp arrangement includes an indexing arrangement for engaging the housing in a way which positions the ramp arrangement within at least one controlled tolerance relative to the head arrangement. In one feature, the indexing arrangement is resiliently biased against the housing. In a related feature, the housing defines a ramp indexing recess and an indexing pin of the ramp arrangement is resiliently biased into the indexing recess to locate the indexing pin with the controlled tolerance.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/952,998 filed on Sep. 14, 2001 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present application is related generally to a digital devicearchitecture and, more particularly, to a digital system configurationand associated method for devices including an electromechanical dataStorage Element. The invention is particularly well suited for use in aportable device.

[0003] One need only briefly survey virtually any public area in modernsociety in order to gain an appreciation for the popularity ofelectronic devices. Such devices include, but are not limited tocellular phones, music players, portable computers, personal digitalassistants, pagers, digital cameras, digital camcorders, personal gamingdevices and e-books. Continuous improvement has been seen in thecapabilities present in these devices attributable, at least in part, toa movement into digital implementations.

[0004] Demands, with regard to future electronic devices, includefurther miniaturization coupled with still further improvements inperformance. These demands are markedly intense with regard to portabledevices. A particular area of concern resides in a desire to storeever-increasing amounts of digital information. At the same time, itshould be appreciated that an electronic device, especially in aportable or miniaturized form, is likely to be subjected to a somewhatharsh environment, particularly with regard to mechanical shock. In anattempt to cope with the need for a significant amount of digital datastorage while, at the same time, dealing with the problem of mechanicalshock, designers resorted to the use of electronic memory, particularlyin the form of flash memory. This solution is evident in the instance ofstate-of-the-art music players, including MP3 players. As of thiswriting, the popular configuration of these players is to use aremovable flash memory card having a size of approximately 32 MB.Unfortunately, several problems are associated with this solution, aswill be described.

[0005] One problem seen with regard to the flash memory solution residesin the fact that 32 MB is, in itself, a somewhat limited amount ofstorage. It is not unforeseeable that in the near future even amountsless than 512 MB will be considered as small. Considering present daydevices, the owner of a portable device that relies on the use of flashmemory cards typically must own a number of the cards in order toprovide a sufficient overall amount of storage. Otherwise, the portabledevice owner may be forced to frequently reload the flash memory cardvia a personal computer or otherwise be subjected, for example, tolistening to a quite limited music selection in the instance of an MP3player. Moreover, the cost of flash memory cards is currently somewhatprohibitive. Many portable device owners simply choose not to incur theexpense of buying numbers of additional flash memory cards.

[0006] In coping with the problems inherent in the use of flash memorycards, a recent alternative solution has been the provision of a larger,electromechanical digital storage arrangement that is nonethelessremovable. This solution is exemplified by the IBM Microdrive™. Thelatter is a removable miniaturized computer hard disk drive providedwith a connector that mates with a corresponding connector incorporatedwithin the portable device to be served. It is noted that such miniaturehard drives, including the Microdrive, have essentially the sameconfiguration as prior art hard drives seen in personal computers. Thatis, the miniature hard drive is made up of two general assembliesincluding a head disk assembly (HDA) and a printed circuit boardassembly (PCBA). The HDA itself includes a rotatable magnetic media, asensor assembly for reading from and writing to the rotatable media andmotors for accomplishing rotation of the rotatable media and positioningof the sensor assembly. The PCBA includes essentially all of theelectronics needed to operate the HDA with the common exception of apreamplifier. While the Microdrive brings improvement in data capacity,as of this writing, the cost of the Microdrive is quite high in terms ofmegabytes per dollar and absolute cost when compared to such costs inconventional drives. It is submitted that this absolute cost, in and byitself, will prove to be a significant barrier with regard tobroad-based use of the product.

[0007] The Microdrive utilizes a CompactFlash interface. This interfaceraises concerns for a number of reasons, not the least of which is therequirement for a rather bulky interface connector having fifty pins, asdescribed in the CF+ and CompactFlash Specification Revision 1.4.Further concerns with regard to CompactFlash will be addressed below.

[0008] With regard to the removable configuration of the Microdrive, itis noted that the perceived need for removable media has been greatlyreduced in certain environments once viable, significant levels of“permanently” installed storage space has been provided. Availableembedded storage has traditionally taken a precedent over removablestorage, as evidenced in desktop computers. Still further concerns areassociated with removable storage, as will be discussed below.

[0009] While the use of a miniaturized hard disk drive effectivelyresolves the problem of limited storage by providing many times thestorage currently available in a typical flash memory card, the issue ofthe use of such a component in the potentially harsh environment of aportable device is once again brought to the forefront. It should beappreciated that, under certain circumstances, prior art hard diskdrives tolerate relatively high levels of mechanical shock—even as highas 1500Gs. Under operational circumstances, unfortunately, hard diskdrives are generally quite susceptible to mechanical shock events, forexample, during the time that the head or sensing assembly is actuallyaccessing the rotating media. Consequences of a mechanical shock eventoccurring at precisely the most inopportune time include potential drivefailure. For instance, a drive may fail when subjected to a 175G eventduring an access. In this regard, Applicants are unaware of aminiaturized hard drive or overall device architecture incorporatingeffective features specifically intended to cope, for example, with thepotentially harsh environment of a portable electronic device.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,751 (hereinafter the '751 patent), sharingthe lead inventor of the present application, serves as one referencepoint with regard to several suggestions which may be utilized within asystem incorporating a hard drive. The framework of the '751 patent,however, resides not in the area of drive miniaturization, ruggedizationor portability, but primarily in reducing the cost of a hard disk driveas provided in an overall computer system. One approach taken by thepatent encompasses moving all possible functionality out of the overallhard disk drive, including the controller, and onto the motherboard ofthe host device. For example, unused silicon “real estate” might beutilized for implementation of the controller. Moreover, such acontroller may utilize memory that is already present on the host side.Thus, the drive cost is reduced to some extent. At the same time, itshould be appreciated that the prior art functional control implementedas between the CPU and the controller is unchanged with respect tolocating the controller on the motherboard. Specifically, the controllerincludes processing power which executes control code that is “native”to the peripheral device. As used herein, “native code” refers to thelowest level control code required to control a particular peripheraldevice. It is that code which is customarily executed by a devicecontroller in a fashion that is isolated from the CPU resident withinthe host system.

[0011]FIG. 1 is a representation of FIG. 2 of the '751 patent, includingalternative reference numbers assigned consistent with the presentdiscussion. Accordingly, a prior art computer system 10 includes a hostcircuit board 12. A controller 14 is included as a single integratedcircuit having further functions, as will be mentioned. A servointegrated circuit 16 is used to spin motors in any attached peripheraldevices. Three peripheral devices are shown including a head diskassembly (HDA) 20, a CDROM/DVD 22 and a floppy drive 24. Alternatively,the latter may comprise a high capacity floppy drive, a miniature drive,or other suitable device.

[0012] One advantage, alluded to above, in the patent is the use of theHDA as an alternative to a complete hard disk drive (HDD) since costsare lessened by including components such as, for example, controller 14within the host system. Components of the HDA (described above, but notillustrated) include a data media, a sensor/head mechanism to readand/or write data to and from the media, and motors to spin the mediaand position the sensor/head mechanism. A preamplifier is included toamplify the data read from or to be written to the media. Thepreamplifier may be installed on a flex circuit (see item 17 in FIG. 1Aof the '751 patent) that electrically connects the HDA to the PCBA. Itis appropriate to note, at this juncture, that the '751 patent alsodescribes the location of a read/write channel, electrically incommunication with the preamplifier, as potentially being arranged inthe host system, distributed between the host system and the peripheraldevice or being within the peripheral device. The conventional locationof the read/write channel in prior art HDD's is on the PCBA in closephysical proximity to the electrical connection point of the HDA, forreasons described below.

[0013] Continuing with a description of FIG. 1, each peripheral devicemay also have an associated personality ROM 26. The specific location ofthe personality ROM is shown for an individual component in FIG. 3 (item64) of the '751 patent. It is noted that the personality ROM is isolatedfrom the rest of the individual component and is accessed via the PCIarrangement. Integrated circuit 14, in FIG. 1, further includesperipheral component interconnect (PCI) bus functionality such that theintegrated circuit is interfaced to a PCI bus 28. It is noted that PCIbus 28 comprises one example of a number of possible bus masteringbuses. A CPU 30 and chipset 32 are provided with the chipset connectedto PCI bus 28. CPU 30 is, in turn, interfaced with chipset 32. A RAMsection 34 is also interfaced to chipset 32. It is important to notethat CPU 30 is indirectly connected to the peripheral components.Specifically, PCI bus 28 is interposed between the peripheralcomponents, including HDA 26, and the CPU. While this arrangement may beadvantageous with regard to cost reduction, certain disadvantages thataccompany this configuration will be considered at appropriate pointsbelow. For the moment, it is noted that system control is accomplishedby the CPU issuing commands that are placed on PCI bus 28 in accordancewith mandated PCI protocol. It is submitted that certain penalties areassociated with this style of command configuration. For example,commands issued through levels or layers of protocol higher than thenative code are particularly inflexible.

[0014] The present invention provides a highly advantageous digitaldevice configuration and method that are submitted to resolve theforegoing problems and concerns while providing still furtheradvantages, as described hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] As will be described in more detail hereinafter, there isdisclosed herein a Storage Element as well as associated devices andmethod. In one aspect of the invention, a device is configured foraccess by a user and includes an assembly having an electromechanicaldigital data storage arrangement configured for operation responsive toa native control code. The device further includes a processingarrangement which executes a control program for controlling the overalldevice and which executes at least a portion of the native control code,as part of the control program, for use in directly interfacing with thestorage arrangement.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, an assembly includesa digital data storage arrangement made up of a rotatable read/writemedia, a head arrangement configured for reading and writing therotatable media and a programmable channel at least for forming aninterface between the rotatable media and the head arrangement.Additionally, a programming arrangement, produced separate from thedigital storage arrangement, is electrically connectable with thedigital storage arrangement at least sufficient to program the channelin a particular way that serves to customize the interface formed by thechannel between the rotatable media and the head arrangement such thatthe digital storage arrangement is later to be used, without theprogramming arrangement, in an end installation including the customizedchannel.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system isdescribed for providing a digital storage arrangement for end use in anend device. The system includes a rotatable read/write media forming afirst part of the digital storage arrangement and a head arrangementforming a second part of the digital storage arrangement and configuredfor reading and writing the rotatable media. A programmable channelforms a third part of the digital storage arrangement and is configuredat least for forming an interface between the rotatable media and thehead arrangement. A programming arrangement, produced separate from thedigital storage arrangement, is configured for electrical connectionwith the digital storage arrangement at least sufficient to program thechannel in a particular way that serves to customize the interfaceformed by the channel between the rotatable media and the headarrangement such that the digital storage arrangement is later used inthe end device including the customized channel.

[0018] In still another aspect of the present invention, in a devicehaving a user access arrangement for receiving a user interaction andincluding a processing arrangement, the improvement includes a commandexecution arrangement for interpreting the user interaction in a waythat defines a command to be executed by the processing arrangement andfor initiating the execution of the command prior to termination of theuser interaction. In one feature, a digital data storage arrangement isfurther included for storing digital information under control of theprocessing arrangement wherein the command defines a data access thatuses the digital storage arrangement and the processing arrangement isprogrammed to initiate execution of the data access responsive topartial entry of the command during the user interaction. In anotherfeature, the digital storage arrangement utilizes a rotatable media andan electronic memory arrangement is provided wherein the processingarrangement is programmed to execute the data access by reading certaininformation from the digital storage arrangement, after spinning up therotatable media on which the certain information is stored, and fortransferring that certain information to an electronic memoryarrangement such that the certain information is available without theneed to access the digital data storage arrangement.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present invention, within a deviceincluding an electromechanical digital storage arrangement andconfigured for receiving a plurality of external interactions, at leastsome of which require one or more data transfers using the storagearrangement, and at least some, but not all of which are userinteractions, an assembly includes: a first arrangement for receiving afirst one of the interactions requiring a first data transfer by thestorage arrangement, a second arrangement for determining that the firstinteraction is a non-user interaction, and a third arrangement fordelaying execution of the first data transfer, associated with the firstnon-user interaction, at least until a next user interaction.

[0020] In a continuing aspect of the present invention, within a deviceincluding an electronic memory arrangement having a capacity wherein thedevice is configured for responding to a plurality of externalinteractions including user interactions, at least a specific one ofwhich interactions requires a specific data transfer to the electronicmemory arrangement such that the specific data transfer is of a sizethat exceeds the capacity of the electronic memory arrangement, anassembly includes a first arrangement for loading the electronic memoryarrangement with an initial portion of the specific data transfer tofill the electronic memory arrangement to its capacity such that theinitial portion of data is available for use in a predetermined way. Asecond arrangement monitors the use, in the predetermined way, of anydata stored in the electronic memory arrangement and a third arrangementis provided for loading an additional portion of the specific datatransfer into the electronic memory arrangement to replace that part ofthe initial portion of the specific data transfer which has been used inthe predetermined way such that an unused part of the initial portion ofthe specific data transfer and the additional portion of the specificdata transfer are concurrently stored in the electronic memoryarrangement. In one feature, the assembly includes an electromechanicaldigital storage arrangement such that the specific data transfer isstored by the electromechanical digital storage arrangement for transferto the electronic storage arrangement in the first and additionalportions.

[0021] In an ongoing aspect of the present invention, within a portableelectronic device configured for receiving a user interaction and foroperating in an overall environment which may subject the portableelectronic device to mechanical shock, the device including anelectromechanical Storage Element which is susceptible to suchmechanical shock when reading and/or writing data and which is otherwisesubstantially less susceptible to mechanical shock, theelectromechanical Storage Element is protected from shock at least to alimited extent by providing an electronic memory arrangement in theportable device. The user interaction is monitored to define aparticular use of a selection of data stored on the electromechanicalStorage Element. The selection of data is copied from theelectromechanical Storage Element to the electronic memory arrangement.After using the electromechanical Storage Element in the copying step,availability of the selection of data for the particular use isindicated such that the user is able to initiate the particular use ofthe selection of data, through accessing the electronic memoryarrangement, only after the electromechanical Storage Element is not inuse and is substantially less susceptible to mechanical shock.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, in a deviceconfigured for access by a user and including a processing arrangementwhich executes a control program for controlling the overall device, anassembly includes an electromechanical digital data storage arrangementresponsive to a native control code and a peripheral control arrangementconfigured such that the processing arrangement executes at least aportion of the native control code of the storage arrangement as part ofthe control program. The peripheral control arrangement includes aninterface configured for implementing the native code between theprocessing arrangement and the electromechanical digital storagearrangement.

[0023] In still another aspect of the present invention, a digital datastorage arrangement includes a rotatable media as well as a headarrangement configured for accessing the rotatable media by firstinitiating a control sequence intended to move the head arrangement froman unparked position to a parked position. Thereafter, a predeterminedstatus is detected, related to head arrangement position which confirmsthat the head arrangement is in the parked position. An indication isthen produced based on the predetermined status. In one feature, theindication is stored at a predetermined register location. In anotherfeature, the storage arrangement is configured with a ramp for receivingthe head arrangement in its parked position such that, when so received,the ramp and the head arrangement cooperate in a way which produces theindication thereby confirming that the head is in the parked position.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, in a digital datastorage arrangement including a rotatable media as well as a headarrangement configured for accessing the rotatable media and for movingto a parked position, an apparatus includes a first arrangement forinitiating a control sequence intended to move the head arrangement tothe parked position after having accessed the rotatable media, a secondarrangement for thereafter detecting a predetermined status related tohead arrangement position by testing the head arrangement for readingfrom the rotatable media such that an inability of the head arrangementto read indicates that the head arrangement is at least away from therotatable media, and a third arrangement for producing an indicationbased on the predetermined status.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the present invention, in a deviceincluding a processing arrangement for controlling operation of thedevice and including an electromechanical digital storage arrangement isdescribed. A status of a particular attribute is established related tooperation of the electromechanical digital storage arrangement. Usingthe processing arrangement, the status of the particular attribute ismonitored for use in a further control operation.

[0026] In a continuing aspect of the present invention, in anelectromechanical storage device including a rotatable magnetic mediaand a head arrangement configured for movement to access the rotatablemedia and for moving to a parked position, an assembly includes a firstarrangement for producing a position signal which confirms that the headarrangement is in the parked position and an electrical interconnectionarrangement in electrical communication with the head arrangement foruse in controlling the head arrangement and which electricalinterconnection arrangement is configured for receiving the positionsignal from the first arrangement for a control use.

[0027] In a further aspect of the present invention, in anelectromechanical storage device including a housing supporting a spinmotor for rotating a magnetic media disk and supporting an actuatorarrangement for accessing the magnetic media disk using at least onehead positioned on a distal end of the actuator arrangement, an assemblyincludes an electrical interconnection arrangement in electricalcommunication with said actuator arrangement and configured for formingan external interface to the storage device. The assembly is furtherconfigured such that at least a portion of the electricalinterconnection arrangement is supported by the housing and includes aparking arrangement supported by the housing supported portion of theelectrical interconnection arrangement for receiving the distal end ofthe actuator arm in a parked position.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, as applied to anelectromechanical storage device including a rotatable magnetic mediaand a head arrangement configured for movement to access the rotatablemedia and for moving to a parked position responsive to at least oneparameter in a parking sequence, an arrangement is provided as part ofthe electromechanical storage device, for producing a position signalwhich confirms the parked position of the head arrangement when sopositioned. A calibration procedure is performed using the positionsignal to establish an operational value of the parameter for later usein parking the head arrangement.

[0029] In still another aspect of the present invention, as applied to aplurality of electromechanical storage devices each of which includes arotatable magnetic media and a head arrangement configured for movementto access the rotatable media and for moving to a parked positionresponsive to a parking sequence, an arrangement is provided, as part ofeach electromechanical storage device, for producing a position signalwhich confirms the parked position of the head arrangement when sopositioned. A calibration procedure is performed on eachelectromechanical storage device, in which the parking sequence isapplied to each electromechanical storage device with the headarrangement initially in a data access position intended to move thehead arrangement to the parked position. The parking sequence beingrepeatedly performed in a way which establishes a failure configurationof the parking sequence for each electromechanical storage device inwhich failure configuration the head arrangement at least once fails toachieve the parked position. A set of failure configurations, includingat least one failure configuration for each electromechanical storagedevice, is tracked across the plurality of electromechanical storagedevices.

[0030] Further in accordance with the present invention, a digital datastorage apparatus and associated method are described wherein a housingdefines a housing interior. A rotatable magnetic media is supported forrotation within the housing interior. A head arrangement is supportedwithin the housing interior, including an actuator arm configured forpivotally accessing the rotatable media and for pivotally moving to aparked position from an access position. A flexible circuit arrangementis configured to include a flexible circuit stiffener having a majorsurface defining a stiffener plane and which is directly attached to thehousing within the housing interior. A ramp arrangement is directlyattachable to the flexible circuit stiffener and is configured forreceiving the actuator arm in the parked position when so attached. Theramp arrangement further includes an indexing arrangement for engagingthe housing in a way which positions the ramp arrangement with at leastone controlled tolerance relative to the head arrangement. In onefeature, the indexing arrangement and the flexible circuit stiffener arecooperatively configured such that attachment of the ramp arrangement tothe flexible circuit stiffener captures at least a selected part of theindexing arrangement between the housing and the flexible circuitstiffener so as to resiliently bias the indexing arrangement against thehousing. In a related feature, the housing defines a ramp indexingrecess and the indexing arrangement of the ramp arrangement includes aramp indexing pin which is resiliently biased into the ramp indexingrecess to locate the ramp indexing pin with a first controlledtolerance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention may be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawingsbriefly described below.

[0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram taken directly from U.S. Pat. No.6,061,751 shown here to serve as one focal point for discussion relativeto prior art design considerations regarding hard disk drives.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic block diagram illustrating one embodimentof a device implemented including a Storage Element of the presentinvention.

[0034]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating one possiblephysical embodiment of the Storage Element of the present invention.

[0035]FIGS. 4a-4 c are diagrammatic timelines illustrating variousapproaches for performing data transfers in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0036]FIG. 4d is a diagram illustrating the status of data stored in anelectronic memory arrangement of the device present invention at aparticular point in time.

[0037]FIG. 5a is an illustration of one possible appearance of thedevice of FIG. 2 produced in accordance with the present inventionincluding a display screen and connectable, for example, with a headset,as shown.

[0038]FIGS. 5b-5 g are diagrammatic illustrations of the appearance ofthe display screen of the device of FIG. 5a, shown here to illustratepotential operational sequences occurring during interactions with auser of the device performed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention.

[0039]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration, in perspective, of aportion of the Storage Element of the present invention, shown here forthe purpose of describing several embodiments of a highly advantageoushead arrangement position sensor.

[0040]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a positionsensing circuit interfaced with the head arrangement position sensor ofFIG. 6.

[0041]FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away diagrammatic view of the voice coilmotor arm end of the Storage Element of the present invention, shownhere to facilitate discussion of a highly advantageous mechanical shocksensing arrangement implemented in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0042]FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mechanicalshock sensing circuit interfaced with the mechanical shock sensingarrangement of FIG. 8.

[0043]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementationof a parking calibration method performed in accordance with the presentinvention and utilizing the highly advantageous head position sensingarrangement of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementationof a parameter tracking method performing in accordance with the presentinvention and utilizing the head position sensing arrangement of thepresent invention.

[0045]FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementationof an advanced parking control and monitoring sequence performed inaccordance with the present invention and utilizing the head positionsensing arrangement of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a test/programming board produced inaccordance with the present invention and interfaced with the StorageElement (partially shown) of the present invention during manufacturingprocedures.

[0047]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base plate and interiorcomponents of another embodiment of the Storage Element of the presentinvention, shown here to illustrate details of its structure.

[0048]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of selected components ofthe Storage Element of FIG. 14 illustrating its base plate, flexiblecircuit stiffener and a ramp arrangement in a spaced apart positionalrelationship.

[0049]FIG. 16 is another perspective view of selected components of theStorage Element of FIG. 14 showing the flexible circuit assemblypositioned in the base plate and the ramp arrangement in a spaced apartrelationship thereto.

[0050]FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway plan view of the storage element ofFIG. 14 shown here to illustrate details with regard to installation ofthe ramp arrangement.

[0051]FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway view, in perspective of the StorageElement of FIG. 14 illustrating the installed ramp arrangement and itsrelationship to the landing point load tip on the actuator arm.

[0052]FIG. 19 is partial cutaway bottom view, in perspective, of certaincomponents of the Storage Element of FIG. 14 including the flexiblecircuit arrangement and ramp arrangement shown here to illustratedetails of their cooperating structures.

[0053]FIG. 20 is a partial diagrammatic cross-sectional view, inelevation, taken in a plane which bisects the T-lock arms of theinstalled ramp arrangement of FIGS. 14 and 18, shown here to illustratefurther details of the structures of the flexible circuit arrangement,base plate and installed ramp assembly as well as associated advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Returning now to the drawings, wherein like components areindicated by like reference numbers throughout the various figures,attention is immediately directed to FIG. 2, which illustrates anelectronic device, generally indicated by the reference number 300,manufactured in accordance with the present invention. It is to beunderstood that device 300 is intended to be representative of anynumber of digitally implemented device types including, but not limitedto wireless telephones, Internet appliances, personal digitalassistants, music players, multi-function pagers, multimedia devices orany other device adaptable to use permanently installed digital storageof a size that is typically provided using electromechanical, ratherthan electronic storage. Moreover, the present invention facilitates theinclusion of additional functionality in devices traditionally havingmore limited, dedicated functionality. For example, a wireless phone maybe provided including such features as a digital camera and/or a digitalmusic player. Specific teachings with regard to integration of suchfunctionality in particular device types will be provided at appropriatepoints below. The present invention is particularly suited for use indevices which may, at times, be subjected to use in a “hostile”environment in which the device experiences large mechanical shockforces. Portable devices are commonly exposed to such an environment.The present invention, however, is in no way limited to use in portabledevices, but finds application in essentially any form of device that islikely to be subjected, at least briefly, to mechanical shock.

[0055] Continuing with a description of FIG. 2, device 300 includes aprocessing arrangement 302 configured for operating the overall device.Processing arrangement 302 includes at least one processor or centralprocessing unit (CPU, not shown). Such a CPU may be designed tocooperate with a chipset (not shown) forming part of the processingarrangement. At the same time, additional, slave CPU's or chips (notshown) may operate at the behest of a master CPU, all of which areconsidered to form the processing arrangement. It should be appreciatedthat all of these configurations are considered as being within thescope of the present invention so long as certain teachings arepracticed, as will be described.

[0056] A memory section 304 is associated with processing section 302which may be, for example, a suitable form of ROM. Alternatively, thememory section can be made up of a suitable combination of ROM and RAMwherein a volatile RAM portion of the memory section is loaded fordevice operation during an initial boot-up. Memory section 304 itselfincludes device code 306 and native code 308. The latter will bedescribed in detail below. Device code 306 enables functionalitydedicated to operational and housekeeping tasks common to any particulartype of device that is implemented. Moreover, it should be appreciatedthat the minimum amount of computational power that is commonly neededto operate a device, having somewhat limited dedicated functionality, iscorrespondingly quite limited with respect to the capabilities of theprocessors that are commonly employed in such state-of-the-art devices.As one example, processors in wireless telephones may typically be idlefor a majority of the time. The present invention may rely onunder-utilized capabilities of the processing arrangement in a highlyadvantageous way, as will be described hereinafter.

[0057] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, device 300 further comprisesa user interface arrangement 310, for example, in the form of a keypad(only partially illustrated). Other items include an electronic memoryarrangement 312 and a Storage Element 320, all of which are connected toprocessing arrangement 302. Buses/interfaces 322 and 324 connect theprocessing arrangement to the Storage Element and electronic memoryarrangement, respectively. Electronic memory arrangement 312 maycomprise volatile memory such as RAM having a predetermined size for usein performing particular operations under control of processingarrangement 302. As one example, the electronic memory arrangement maybe loaded, in a manner yet to be described, with digital music that islater read by the processing arrangement, processed and, thereafter,provided to an audio output jack 325 via a suitable audio section 326.It is noted that, while certain features are described herein withregard to processing and handling digital audio, these descriptions areintended for illustrative purposes only and that the underlying conceptsof the present invention enjoy a broad range of applicability. A digitalinterface 328 is provided having an external connection such that device300 may be connected to an external computer. Suitable interfaceconfigurations include, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)interface and IEEE 1394. With appropriate software installed on theexternal computer, a user may perform maintenance operations with regardto the content available on Storage Element 320. For example, a user maycreate playlists which are loaded onto the Storage Element. It should beappreciated that any form of digital information may be transferred toor from the Storage Element in this manner.

[0058] Storage Element 320 comprises electromechanical storageinterfaced to device 300 by a flexible circuit 330 to be described infurther detail along with descriptions of other components which make upthe Storage Element. For the moment, it is sufficient to note that aconnector 332 is provided which accepts a free end of flexible circuit330 for purposes of interfacing Storage Element 320 to processingarrangement 302 within device 300 via bus 322.

[0059] Native code 308, used by processing arrangement 302, is directedto the sole purpose of operating Storage Element 320. The term nativecode, as mentioned above, encompasses code that is used in the directcontrol of a device that is peripheral to the processing arrangement.Native code is typically executed by a prior art controller chip andrepresents the lowest and most direct level of control of the peripheraldevice. In accordance with the present invention, processing arrangement302 controls Storage Element 320 using its native code with nointervening protocol layers; comprising instructions that are directlyreceived and acted on by components (to be described) in the StorageElement. No translation of these native code instructions is performed.In essence, native code is the inherent, executable language of theStorage Element. Prior art controllers serve to receive higher levelprotocol commands and interpret these into native code. In view of theforegoing discussions, direct control of the Storage Element exemplifiesan advantageous application of potentially unused, but availableprocessing power of processing arrangement 302. In the event thatotherwise unused capability is used, device 300 generally exhibits nouser-perceptible performance degradation, as compared to the same deviceoperating conventionally; that is, compared to a device in which adedicated controller executes native code. Moreover, processing powerdedicated to the operation of the Storage Element may deliberately belimited to unused capabilities of a host processor (CPU) already presentin the architecture of a particular device. Further, a “transitional”configuration may be provided as an interim solution which includes atransitional IC assisting the host processor in the execution of thenative code of the Storage Element. The transitional implementation isadvantageous in requiring minimal hardware changes in a preexisting hostprocessor. Cost associated with the modification in the host processormay be limited so as to be essentially insignificant. That is, themodified processor may be provided for any application previouslyemploying the unmodified processor as well as for new applicationsincluding Storage Element control functionality.

[0060] The transitional IC may be integrated in the chipset of the hostIC using, for example, an interface made up of a clock line, one or morecontrol lines and one or more data lines such as NRZ lines. The width ofthis interface may be limited to further reduce impact on the hostprocessor in terms of pin count. The control line or lines, separatefrom the data line or lines, is considered to be advantageous inproviding direct and immediate control over the Storage Element. In theinstance of an interface requiring sharing of control, data anddisk-related data (i.e., servo or “user” data stored by the StorageElement), control delays may be encountered as a result of waiting whiledisk-related data is being transferred. The present inventioncontemplates a need for immediate control, for example, when asufficiently high probability of mechanical shock is predicted. Overtime, functionality present in a transitional IC may migrate into thehost processor. It should be appreciated that the host IC and thetransitional IC may utilize vendor unique commands with regard toimplementation of specialized features of the present invention within aprior art interface arrangement so long as such commands are compatiblewith the overall interface protocol that is used. Where the transitionalIC is configured to respond to one or more vendor unique commands, thehost side requires knowledge of the commands and appropriate programmingon the host side to implement the vendor unique commands. For example, aCompact Flash Interface may be implemented between the transitional ICand the host IC utilizing one or more vendor unique commands. Theforegoing feature will be discussed further at an appropriate pointbelow.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, a furtheradvantage of the present invention resides in the “visibility” of theStorage Element to the processing arrangement. Since virtually everyaspect of the operation of the Storage Element is controlled byprocessing arrangement 302 via native code 308, certainty as to theexact operational status of the Storage Element is achieved. In thisregard, Storage Element 320 includes a housing 338. A rotatable magneticmedia 340 is rotated by a spin motor 342 which is, in turn, supported byhousing 338. A sensor arrangement 344 is positioned by a voice coilmotor (VCM) 346 (only a portion of which is shown). The term sensorarrangement is interchangeable with the terms head arrangement andactuator arm. As is best seen in FIG. 3, illustrated portions of the VCMinclude a lower magnet assembly 348 and a voice coil 350 which issupported on the VCM end of actuator arm 346. The upper magnet assemblyis not illustrated for purposes of clarity. The actuator arm issupported by an actuator pivot 351 which is, in turn, supported byhousing 338 such that the distal end of the actuator arm opposing theVCM may engage magnetic media 340. The Storage Element of the presentinvention is not limited to the use of magnetic media. Any suitablemedia may be used such as, for example, optical media so long as theteachings herein are practiced. It should be appreciated that awarenessof the status of the components of the Storage Element is important withregard to exposure to external mechanical shock and further inconsideration of other attributes of the operation of the StorageElement such as, for example, power consumption wherein the status ofspin motor 342 is crucial.

[0062] Still referring to FIG. 3, the distal end of the actuator armopposing the VCM includes a transducer arrangement 352 and a lift tab354. It should be appreciated that flexible circuit 330 includes variousportions serving different components within the Storage Element. A freeend 330 a of the flexible circuit is configured for engaging connector332 (see FIG. 2). A flex carrier platform 356 supports a main portion330 b of the flexible circuit. Flex carrier platform 356 is mounted (notshown) in a suitable way such as, for example, using stand-offs whichengage housing 338. In one highly advantageous feature, a ramp 360 issupported by flex circuit main portion 330 b. Ramp 360 is engaged by tab354 on the outermost end of the actuator arm when the actuator arm ismoved into its illustrated parked configuration. Supporting the ramp inthis manner, having the parked actuator arm proximate to the flexiblecircuit, facilitates application of the flexible circuit in confirmingthe parked position of the actuator arm, as will be further described.Other parts of the flexible circuit include an actuator arm connection330 c (also referred to as a dynamic loop of the flexible circuit),which is connected to main portion 330 b, and a flex loop portion 330 dwhich is connected between spindle motor 342 and main portion 330 b.

[0063] Attention is now directed to FIG. 1 for the purpose of continuingthe discussion of the visibility aspect of the present inventionrelative to the '751 patent. It is important to understand, with regardto prior art FIG. 1, that visibility of peripheral components to theprocessing arrangement, consisting of CPU 30 and chipset 32, is limitedbased on constraints imposed by PCI bus 28. An associated penalty,alluded to above, resides in a degree of uncertainty accompanyingissuance of commands through the PCI bus to a controller whichinterprets the commands and, in turn, issues native code directly to theperipheral. Applicants are aware that, in some instances, discretion ispresent in the way that commands are implemented within the controller.As an example, in the context of the '751 patent, it is assumed that aread command is issued by CPU 30 for the purpose of transferring certaindata from HDA 28 to RAM 34. Accordingly, the disk (not shown) of the HDAwill spin-up prior to reading the data and a sensor (not shown) willthen be used to read from the disk. As is well known to one havingordinary skill in the art, the HDA is especially susceptible to externalmechanical shock during sensor access to the disk. At some pointthereafter, the requested data will return via the PCI bus. From theperspective of the present invention, it is of interest that the statusof the HDA disk motor and the sensor may be unknown. Specifically, thetime at which the spin motor spins down and the sensor is parked areunder control of the metrics of PCI mass storage IC 14, serving here asa controller. For example, the HDA spin motor may spin down if anadditional command is not received within a predetermined period oftime. Thus, spin down may occur long after completion of the requesteddata transfer. CPU 30 has no way of establishing the status of the HDAdisk motor beyond issuing a “spin down” command, which may or may not beavailable, depending upon the protocol in use. Essentially, this is anopen loop arrangement which is considered by Applicants as beingunacceptable.

[0064] Attention is now directed to another prior art interface, CF+which is mentioned above with regard to its use in the IBM Microdrive,in further examining discretion in command implementation with itsaccompanying problems. CF+ is an expanded version of CompactFlash thatis enhanced to encompass various I/O devices including magnetic diskdata storage. CF+ implements a CF-ATA command set which is taken fromthe ATA interface of IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). One aspect ofdrive operation that is of particular interest with regard to thepresent invention resides in an awareness of the status of the headarrangement. Generally, as described, the head arrangement may be parkedso as to provide its highest resistance to mechanical shock. It shouldbe appreciated, however, that even though a head arrangement is notreading or writing data, it may be left in a floating state. One IDEcommand encompassed by CF+ is “Idle Immediate” (see page 74 of the CF+specification). Typically, an idle state means that the spin motor isspinning, but there is no required status as to the head arrangement.That is, the head arrangement could be parked or floating. The actualstatus is left to the discretion of the implementer. The CF+specification and IDE/ATA itself are therefore ambiguous with regard tohead arrangement status in Idle. Other CompactFlash commands whichexhibit similar ambiguity include Idle, Standby, Standby Immediate andSet Sleep Mode. While the designers of the interface perhaps consideredthis ambiguity as advantageous in allowing design flexibility, thepresent invention considers this ambiguity as unacceptable in view ofthe contemplated operating environment.

[0065] Unfortunately, the commands described immediately above areimplemented in an open loop manner whereby no confirmation of actuallyaccomplishing a physical act thought to be associated with the commandis provided. The commands merely require clear BSY and generate aninterrupt without defining an associated hardware status. The responsemay be generated as a mere response to receipt of the command by thereceiving electronics. Thus, the capability to be certain as to theoperational state or condition of a peripheral is limited at best andmay be essentially nonexistent.

[0066] The present invention, in contrast, resolves this ambiguitythrough operating using the processing arrangement of the overall devicein direct native code communication with the Storage Element while, atthe same time, serving the entire device. That is, among many availablecontrol actions, the processing arrangement directly executes headparking using native code. In this way, there is no discretion as toimplementation of an “intermediate” command which requires translationby a controller to, in turn, operate the peripheral device. Further, aswill be seen, highly advantageous provisions are available forconfirming the positional status of the head arrangement as well asother operational aspects of the Storage Element of the presentinvention. Again, such monitoring provisions, in being implemented withdirect control by the processing arrangement, do not exhibit the commandambiguity seen, for example, in IDE and PCI. Moreover, the presentinvention incorporates highly advantageous status monitoringcapabilities which are implemented via native code control and which aresubmitted to provide sweeping advantages when operating in a potentiallyhostile environment, as will be described in detail at an appropriatepoint hereinafter.

[0067] Any degree of discretion permitted in command execution isconsidered as problematic, particularly with respect to operation wherepotential exposure to mechanical shock is a reality. The processingarrangement and Storage Element of the present invention cooperate in aheretofore unseen way wherein the processing arrangement directlycontrols the Storage Element in a series of control events forming adata interchange sequence. The latter is typically initiated when nomore than an initial portion of the user interaction defines no morethan an initial portion of the data interchange sequence. Entry of acommand during a user interaction is interpreted “on-the-fly” byprocessing arrangement 302 in a way that serves to define control eventsthat are related to the native code of the device that is beingcontrolled. Additional control events are then executable immediatelyupon interpretation, with continuing command entry by the user. Thus,the present invention copes with potential exposure to mechanical shock,in the first instance, through an intimate awareness of the operationalstatus of a shock-sensitive peripheral. Still further features cooperatewith this initial feature, as will be seen.

[0068] As described above, even prior art hard drives resist mechanicalshock at relatively high levels when the actuator is parked and the spinmotor is not spinning. Storage Element 320 is similar in this regard,including still further features which enhance its resistance tomechanical shock beyond the capabilities of prior art drives. Variousones of these features will be taken up at appropriate points in thediscussion below. Electronic memory, on the other hand, is immune tomechanical shock for practical purposes. In this context, the presentinvention recognizes that placing Storage Element 320 into its mostmechanical shock-resistant state, which may be referred to as its “safestate”, is highly advantageous when exposure to shock events is morelikely. Of course, electronic memory arrangement 312 remains usableirrespective of the potential mechanical shock exposure environment.

[0069] Under the assumption that device 300 comprises a cellulartelephone incorporating a music player, it should be appreciated thatsuch portable device genres may be subjected to significant levels ofmechanical shock, for example, in being dropped or hit. The presentinvention recognizes that a device such as a cellular telephone is usedin a general way which characteristically includes periods of timeduring which the phone/player combo is not likely to receive asignificant mechanical shock. In particular, during actual access by theuser of the device, for example, participating in a call, the deviceexperiences a stable environmental condition. At other times, when thephone is not in use, the environment, relative to mechanical shock, isnot so predictable. Such times include storage of the phone, forexample, on a belt clip or in a purse. Even more precarious timesinclude those times during which the user transitions the device fromactual use to storage and vice versa. It is submitted that thetransition time is the most hazardous since the user may drop thedevice, thereby subjecting it to high mechanical shock. Therefore,device 300 is configured so as to utilize Storage Element 320 primarilyduring user access while avoiding the use of the Storage Element duringtransition times which immediately precede and follow user accessperiods. Details with regard to implementation of this highlyadvantageous configuration are provided immediately hereinafter.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, in order to further mitigate the potentialfor subjecting device 300 to mechanical shock, the device includes aheadphone receptacle disconnect feature. Accordingly, processingarrangement 302 unloads the Storage Element heads responsive todisconnect of a headphone plug 362 from device receptacle 325. Hence, ifthe device has been dropped, the heads are unloaded prior to contact ofthe device with the ground. In order to further enhance this feature andassuming that a headset 364 (or earpiece) is positioned on the user'shead during playback, the length of a cable 366 leading to the headsetand connected to the receptacle may be selected whereby disconnectionwill generally occur prior to the device contacting the ground. Stillfurther benefit may be derived by providing elasticity in the headsetcable. In an associated feature, head unloading time defines a minimumheadphone disconnect drop height, above which there is sufficient timeto accomplish the unloading operation, but below which there isinsufficient time to perform head unloading. When the device is droppedbelow the minimum headphone disconnect height, shock susceptibility maybe reduced or effectively eliminated due to protection imparted by ashock isolation mounting system provided for the Storage Element inconjunction with initial near proximity to the ground.

[0071] Having described certain physical attributes of device 300,attention is now directed to FIG. 4a in conjunction with FIG. 2. Theformer figure illustrates the operation of device 300, in accordancewith the present invention, under a first operational scenario. Atimeline is indicated by the reference number 400 with individual timeperiods from t₀ to t₃₂. A user interaction 402 takes place via userinterface arrangement 310 and is made up of a sequence of individualcommands. Initiation of the user interaction begins with the useractuating a song selection/play button 404 (FIG. 2). Thereafter,commands are used to select three songs to be played by the device. Itis noted that selection of each individual song is not illustrated inthe user interaction for purposes of simplicity. One example of acommand sequence in selecting songs to play might be to initiallydepress play button 404. The initial actuation of the play button occursover time periods t₀ to t₄. The user might then use numerical menuindications (not shown) within a song menu to enter specific songs fromthe list over the interval comprising time periods t₄ to t₂₃. Songs maybe selected either as a group or individually. It is noted that alimited number of song titles are selected in the present example forclarity of illustration; however, any number of song titles may beselected, limited only by the constraints of the physical storageavailable in device 300.

[0072] For further purposes of the present example, all three selectionsare made in the form of a set at one point in time such that associateddata transfers may be performed without intervening delays. Havingselected these songs, the user concludes the command by again engagingplay button 404 in a predetermined way, as will be described, over t₂₃to t₂₈.

[0073] Initially, the digital data representative of each of the songselections is stored by Storage Element 320. Conversion of the digitalinformation to an audio signal by processing arrangement 302, ultimatelyto be made available to a user at audio jack 325, first requires movingthe data associated with the songs from Storage Element 320 toelectronic memory arrangement 312. As mentioned above, playing the songsfrom electronic memory arrangement 320 is performed with relativeimmunity to mechanical shock, after moving the corresponding data fromStorage Element 320 to the electronic memory arrangement. During thecourse of user interaction 402, processing arrangement 302 monitors theuser interaction to interpret user input commands, as represented by acommand entry line 406.

[0074] Processing arrangement 302 monitors user interaction 402 for theearliest possible indication that a data transfer involving StorageElement 320 is imminent. That point may be chosen, for example, as thattime when the user views a song selection menu on a display screen (notshown) of the cell phone/music player device, when the user firstdepresses play button 404, when the user depresses a player selectionbutton or device operation branches to player-oriented features during amenu-driven selection sequence being performed by the user. Rather thanwait until user command period 402 is complete at t₂₈, processingarrangement 302 immediately readies Storage Element 320 for the access.

[0075] In the present example, the chosen point in time is selected ast₀, when play button 404 is first actuated. Accordingly, processingarrangement 302 responds by spinning up rotatable media 340. The spin-upevent is shown in a data transfer execution line 408, indicated as S/U,beginning at time t₀ and continuing up to time t₄. It is noted that thespin-up process can comprise the most time consuming event in theoverall operation of Storage Element 320. For this reason, anticipationof the pending data access, in the manner taught by the presentinvention, is considered to be highly advantageous. Further in thisregard, spin-up time is not an arbitrary factor, but rather, can becontrolled to provide optimum results. A number of factors should beweighed in this optimization including, for example, the fact thatmandating a very fast spin-up in a portable device may result inshortened battery life. Still other factors affect the rate at whichdata transfers can be accomplished. Among these are the speed at whichthe magnetic media disk is rotated. It is noted that the typical pointat which the prior art initiates command execution (i.e., spin-up) istypically at t₂₈. The present invention achieves a sweeping advantage,in terms of mechanical shock protection, by initiating command executionat a far earlier chosen point in time.

[0076] Having accomplished spin-up, data transfers can be accomplishedin very rapid succession thereafter. In this regard, transfersillustrated in the present figures are shown as each taking one timeperiod, while the spin-up time is shown as taking four time periods. Itshould be appreciated, however, that the time durations of the spin-upand data transfers may vary relative to one another according toparticular implementations. The data transfers are indicated as T1-T3wherein one of the transfers is associated with each song to be played.The present invention recognizes that the duration of data transfers toand from the electronic memory arrangement can be controlled in anaffirmative manner that is not only operationally effective with regardto limiting exposure of Storage Element 320 to mechanical shock, but isalso cost-effective.

[0077] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 4a, data transfer T1 begins attime t₈, immediately upon completion of entry of transfer command 406.Transfers T2 and T3 begin at times t₉ and t₁₀, respectively. In essence,each transfer requires a data interchange sequence defining a series ofcontrol events that are discreetly executable by processing arrangement302. As noted above, each transfer is completed in a single time period.Following completion of transfer T3 at time t₁₁, processing arrangement302 “shuts down” the Storage Element spin motor and parks its headsensor arrangement over time periods t₁₁ and t₁₂, indicated as S/D, toplace the Storage Element in the safe state. In this regard, it is notedthat the shut-down process may be somewhat long compared to the datatransfer times, again depending upon the particular implementation. Themore important component of the process essentially consists ofunloading sensor arrangement 344 to its mechanical shock-resistantparked position. It should be appreciated that this latter operation canbe performed in a rapid manner. For example, prior art hard drives arecapable of parking the actuator or sensor arrangement in time periods onthe order of 200 milliseconds. With certain enhancements, the presentinvention contemplates parking of sensor arrangement 344 of StorageElement 320 in a time period of no more than approximately 100milliseconds. In any case, time periods of these orders of magnitude aretypically far shorter than responses seen as a result of humaninteraction. In the present example, the command period of userinteraction 402 extends considerably beyond completion of transfercommand 406 such that the Storage Element has long since been placedinto its safe state pending a potential mechanical shock event during asubsequent transitional movement by the user. Alternative scenarios willbe presented below.

[0078] Still considering FIG. 4a, it is important to understand that thecapability of the present invention to provide for the best protectionagainst mechanical shock for the Storage Element during the transitoryperiod is derived from beginning the command execution sequence at thesoonest possible moment. This precept allows for completion ofassociated data transfers at the soonest possible time, even prior toconclusion of the user interaction. The beginning of data transferexecution may be delayed somewhat, for example, by initiating thespin-up at the conclusion of the initial actuation of play button 404 attime t₄ or even until conclusion of transfer command entry at time t₈.In this regard, it is noted that nine time periods make up the actualspin-up, data transfer and spin down operations. Therefore, spin-upcould be initiated as late as time t₁₉ in order to successfully completeall of the operations by time t₂₈. It should be mentioned that thiscapability is available, at least in part, as a result of the intimatecontrol and awareness present between processing arrangement 302 andStorage Element 320 enabled by running native code in the processingarrangement. As will be described below, a number of features may beprovided to ensure that data transfer operations are at least partiallycomplete and return to the safe state is accomplished prior to a usertransition of the device.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4b, one highly advantageous featureof the present invention, relating to mechanical shock resistance ofStorage Element 320, resides in control of the size of data transfers toand from the Storage Element. For descriptive purposes, FIG. 4billustrates a transfer command entry 410 interpreted over time periodst₁₉ through t₂₃ to define T1-T3. It should be appreciated that thesetransfers utilize electronic memory arrangement 312. Spin-up occursconcurrent with transfer command entry. By sufficiently limiting theoverall storage capacity of the electronic memory arrangement, theduration of time required by any data transfer is limited to thecorresponding time that is required to fill electronic memoryarrangement 312. In the example of FIG. 4b, it is assumed that theelectronic memory arrangement can be filled (or completely written toStorage Element 320) and then spun down by processing arrangement 302 inno more than five time periods, providing for completion of datatransfers T1-T3. Hereinafter, this specific length of time may bereferred to as the “memory fill” time period indicated by the referencenumber 412. In this connection, the reader is reminded that the user ofdevice 300 is required to actuate play button 404 so as to conclude theuser interaction. In order to ensure that all data transfers involvingStorage Element 320 are completed at or before the conclusion of theuser interaction, the user is required to press play button 404 for atime period that is at least as long as the memory fill time or mayrequire a confirmation action (such as, for example, subsequentlydepressing a button). This actuation of the play button may be referredto hereinafter as “play initiation” or “command initiation”. Again, suchtime durations, as contemplated here, are extremely short in terms ofhuman perception. As a practical example, the present inventioncontemplates a memory fill time of approximately 2-4 seconds using anelectronic memory arrangement having a capacity of 32 MB. It should bementioned that limiting the size of the electronic memory arrangement isattended by the further advantage of cost savings. As will be seen, thepresent invention uses the electronic memory arrangement in ways thatmight lead a user to believe that an electronic memory of a much greatersize has been provided. Of course, larger size electronic memories maybe employed while still practicing the teachings disclosed herein byappropriately setting a maximum size data transfer.

[0080] Other modifications are equally within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the Storage Element spin-up time may be includedas part of the memory fill time to define an “extended memory filltime”. In this instance, the user is required to press play button 404for the additional length of time encompassing the drive spin-up time.The Storage Element spin-up time may be on the order of, for example,less than 500 milliseconds. In the event that the user fails to depressthe play button for a sufficient period of time, an audio and/or visualalert may be provided. Moreover, insufficient actuation of the playbutton may trigger an immediate shutdown of the Storage Element,ignoring any pending data transfers in order to avoid the mechanicalshock threat which is present during user transitioning of the device,following the incomplete user interaction. In the presence of suchconstraints placed upon the user, it is considered that the user willquickly learn to use the device consistent with imposed requirements forbest protecting Storage Element 320 from the risk presented bymechanical shock. Even with the foregoing operational constraints inplace, it is considered that a user may operate and treat device 300 inessentially the same manner as a device conventionally configuredwithout Storage Element 320. That is, any differences are intended to beessentially inconsequential from the viewpoint of the user. As analternative, presentation of a play option may be precluded until suchtime that data transfers from the Storage Element to memory have beencompleted.

[0081] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4c, in one feature associated with theuse of a limited size electronic memory arrangement, the presentinvention operates in an opportunistic manner when handling datatransfers that are larger than the memory fill size. FIG. 4c illustratesa user interaction sequence 420 having a first User Access Event whichitself defines six data transfers having a combined size that is twicethe size of electronic memory arrangement 312. That is, the userinteraction defines a total transfer size that exceeds the capacity ofthe electronic memory arrangement. The first user interaction begins att₀ and continues until time t₁ upon release of play button 404 or othersuch identifiable event. The six transfer commands are entered during atransfer command entry period 422. In the present example, the firstthree transfers are selected as a group while the last three areindividually selected. The user may have selected the song items to beplayed by viewing different song lists in some random order, therebycreating an extended command entry period having idle times betweenselections. Again, this command entry period has been shown in a waythat accommodates illustrative limitations of the present forum which,when drawn in proportion, would appear much longer in duration compared,for example, to transfer times. Individual transfer commands are notshown in User Access Event 1 for purposes of simplicity.

[0082] Spin-up of rotatable media 340 of Storage Element 320 isinitiated at time to with actuation of play button 404 (indicated asP/B), prior to transfer selections made by the user. Transfer of thedigital data corresponding to the first song selection ensues on a datatransfer execution line 424 at a time during the transfer command entrywhen the user selects the song corresponding to T1. Thus, in the presentexample, command execution begins not only prior to the end of userinteraction 400, but even before actual completion of command entry 422by the user. Alternatively, spin-up of the Storage Element magneticmedia may be delayed until time t₂, corresponding to the definition oftransfer T1 being available, in view of the ongoing entry of thetransfer command sequence during transfer command entry 422; however,entry into the safe state of the Storage Element is thereafter delayedby a portion of the spin-up time.

[0083] By initiating spin-up upon detection of actuation of the playbutton, each of the T1-T3 data transfers may be performed almostsimultaneously with the associated command defined within User AccessEvent 1. As mentioned above, it is also considered to be advantageous tospin-up responsive to a menu selection sequence initiated by the user ata point which branches to player functionality. In any case, for playinitiation, the user is required to depress play button 404 for thepredetermined period of time from t₆ to t₀, corresponding to that timewhich is required to completely fill electronic memory arrangement 312after the command entry selections. The actuation is indicated as playinitiate (PI) in user interaction 420. It is observed that the transfersare complete and the Storage Element is placed into its safe state wellbefore the earliest time (t₁₁) at which the user may release the playbutton for play initiation of all pending data transfers. In the eventthat the user fails to successfully play initiate the selections, thepending transfers may be canceled and the Storage Element immediatelyplaced into its safe state. At the same time, an error signal may beprovided to the user. The error signal serves at least two purposes.First, it informs the user that an error was made such that the user maymodify future selection entry to avoid the inconvenience of canceledselection transfers. Second, the error signal is intended to introduce adelay prior to the user transitioning the device, for example, to a beltclip or purse. In this regard, it is considered that even the slightestdelay on behalf of the user will provide for proper entry of the StorageElement into the safe state prior to transitioning of the device. Asanother alternative, the Storage Element may be placed in the safe stateimmediately upon indication by the user that no additional selectionsare to be made which would require an associated transfer. For example,upon being presented with a screen display asking, either alone or asone choice in an overall menu, “Make another selection? y=1, n=2x?”, an“n” or “no” choice may result in immediately placing the Storage Elementinto the safe state, irrespective the status of ongoing and/or pendingtransfers. In most cases, it is considered that a majority of thetransfers requested by the user will opportunistically be completedwhile the user interaction is underway. Still further alternatives maybe developed by one having ordinary skill in the art in view of thisoverall disclosure.

[0084] Having filled the electronic memory arrangement using T1-T3, thedata stored therein may be used in any suitable way. For exemplarypurposes, the present discussion assumes that the data is used togenerate a music signal during an interval labeled as I1. The presentexample further assumes that the data is used to form the music signalat a rate that is one-sixth the rate at which the data may betransferred. Of course, such data is much more likely to be used at afar slower rate, in comparison with the data transfer times. For thepurpose of playing music files with state-of-the-art compression,Applicants contemplate a play time of approximately 60 minutes where theelectronic memory arrangement has a size of approximately 32 MB. Becausethe user-defined transfer is incomplete until such time that all sixsong selections have been made available for listening, processingarrangement 302 is advantageously configured for tracking use of thedata that is stored by the electronic memory arrangement.

[0085] With regard to mechanical shock, it is desirable to perform theremaining data transfers, comprising T4-T6, so as to limit potentialexposure of Storage Element 320. In accordance with the presentinvention, the remaining data transfers are performed at one or moreopportune times. In the present example, one additional transfer of allthree remaining song titles is capable of completely filling electronicmemory arrangement 312. Such a transfer would include all of T4-T6.According to the teachings above, the most opportune time to performdata transfers is generally during a user access. Unfortunately, becausethe precise timing of subsequent user accesses is unknown, there is nocertainty as to a user access taking place at the precise time whenplayback of the three initial transfers concludes. As will be seen, thepresent invention provides a highly advantageous feature to address thisproblem in an effective manner.

[0086] It should be remembered that user accesses are performed forvarious purposes. In the present example, accesses may be performed forthe purpose of selecting songs to be played or to use other features ofdevice 300, for example, in telecommunications modes which may includereceiving and originating telephone calls and/or the implementation ofother messaging services such as paging and sending and/or receivinge-mails. When device 300 is used for any of these other intendedpurposes, the associated user access, like the access for the purpose ofentering song selections, is likewise less subject to the receipt of amechanical shock. For this reason, device 300 is configured toopportunistically execute data transfers involving Storage Element 320during user accesses whenever possible.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 4d in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 4c, oneimportant feature associated with this opportunistic configurationresides in replacing “used” data resident in electronic memoryarrangement 312 during subsequent user accesses, irrespective of thespecific purpose to which the subsequent user accesses might bedirected. For purposes of illustrating this feature, user interaction420 includes a series of interactions, labeled as User Access Events2-4, subsequent to User Access Event 1. It is assumed, for illustrativepurposes, that each of these subsequent events involves using device 300in a telecommunications mode, for example, receiving or originating atelephone call, such that playback of audio data stored in theelectronic memory arrangement 312 ceases for the duration of the call.At time t₁₇, User Access Event 2 is initiated. Playback of audio datastored by electronic memory arrangement 312 takes place during aninterval I1 from the conclusion of playback initiation at t₁₁ to t₁₇. Atthe onset of User Access Event 2, six playback time periods haveelapsed, corresponding to the playback of the song associated with theT1 transfer. It should be remembered that the duration of the subsequentuser events has been illustrated as being extremely short in order tofit these events into FIG. 4d. In reality, it is likely that these userevents would appear extremely long relative to events such as placingStorage Element 320 into its safe state. Nonetheless, the concepts ofthe present invention remain effective, even in the face of theextremely short user access intervals illustrated.

[0088]FIG. 4d illustrates the state of electronic memory arrangement 312at t₁₇. One-third of the stored data has been used during I1; while thedata transferred in T2 and T3 remains unused, filling the remainingtwo-thirds of the capacity of the electronic memory arrangement. WhenUser Access Event 2 is initiated at t₁₇, processing arrangement 302recognizes the opportunity to safely replace the used T1 data containedby the electronic memory arrangement. Accordingly, magnetic media 340 ofthe Storage Element is spun up at t₁₇ for the purpose of transferring T4at time t₂₀. Immediately thereafter, the Storage Element is placed intoits safe state. As illustrated in FIG. 4c, this process is repeated fortransfers T5 and T6 at User Access Events 3 and 4, respectively. Thedata stored in the electronic memory arrangement 312 corresponding tothe T2 transfer is replaced by the T5 transfer, while the datacorresponding to the T3 transfer is replaced by the T6 transfer,respectively. Processing arrangement 302, operating as described, hasorchestrated a highly advantageous cooperation taking place between theelectronic memory arrangement and the Storage Element that istransparent to the user. In the instance of events which necessitateceasing audio playback such as, for example, receipt or initiation of acall, it is generally considered to be desirable to require the user tore-initiate audio playback even though audio playback could resumeautomatically. Re-initiation serves the purpose of confirming that theuser indeed wishes to continue listening to audio that is electronicallysaved. This subsequent event re-initiation has not been illustrated inFIG. 4c due to drawing space limitations. In one feature, the user mayreceive a prompt to view a menu with various selections as to the use ofelectronically saved data. As an example, the menu selections mightinclude: 1) Resume audio playback; 2) Add more playback selections; 3)Edit playback selections; 4) Suspend playback until later; and 5) Erasecurrent selections.

[0089] It should be appreciated that there may be times when nosubsequent user access events occur to enable opportunistic performanceof data transfers. The behavior of device 300 can be controlled, undersuch circumstances, so as to implement a desired level of mechanicalshock protection for the Storage Element. In order to provide thehighest possible level of protection, the device may signal to the user,via processing arrangement 302, that it has run out of data to play and,thereafter, stop playing. For example, an audio statement may voiceoverthe playback audio saying, for example, “Please refresh the song playlist.” Visual notifications may be provided as an alternative oraccompanying the voiceover. Alternatively, the device may be configuredto repeat playback of the data that is already present in the electronicmemory arrangement. The user then has the option of initiating a userinteraction in order to permit an opportunity to refresh data stored bythe electronic memory arrangement.

[0090] The present invention provides a particular feature which isconsidered to be highly advantageous, for example, in the context ofrefreshing the electronic memory arrangement. Specifically, anarrangement and method are disclosed for monitoring the environment ofthe Storage Element. One aspect of environmental monitoring that isencompassed is measurement of mechanical shock at the location of theStorage Element. Thus, rather than attempting to control the environmentby requiring a user interaction to refresh the electronic memory, theprocessing arrangement may observe the current shock environment and/ora record thereof in making an assessment as to whether the currentenvironment is safe enough to proceed with a “refresh” transfer. Theseenvironmental monitoring features will be described in detail atappropriate points below.

[0091] Inputs or events, other than user accesses, may take place whichultimately require use of the Storage Element so as to create pendingdata transfers. In the absence of a user access coincident with theinput, however, it is preferred to store data in the electronic memoryarrangement. For example, an incoming email or voice message may bereceived. Under such circumstances, the present invention contemplateselectronic storage, at least temporarily, within electronic memoryarrangement 312. For example, an incoming email or voicemail message mayalways be given storage priority over digital music stored in theelectronic memory arrangement. Initially, audio data that has alreadybeen played back may be replaced. When a user access is thereafterinitiated, such as a telephone call, the electronically stored messagesmay opportunistically be moved from electronic storage to the StorageElement in a manner that is consistent with the foregoing descriptions.

[0092] Under the aforedescribed situation in which pending datatransfers are defined as a result of the limited storage capacity of theelectronic memory arrangement, another operational condition may arisewherein a subsequent event itself requires access to the StorageElement. In this instance, the associated transfers may be performed ina sequential or interleaved manner. The reader is again reminded thatthe combined size of all transfers is limited by the capacity of theelectronic memory arrangement which, in turn, limits the potential timeduration of a “memory fill” transfer. Additional priorities may beprescribed such that communications transfers (e.g., voice and email)have priority over music data transfers.

[0093] When an incoming message such as, for example, a voice mail oremail is of a size that is larger than the electronic memoryarrangement, storage of the message may begin in the electronic memoryarrangement. In the absence of a user interaction, the user may benotified of the incoming message in a suitable manner so as to initiatea user interaction. If the user is unavailable, the highest level ofprotection for the Storage Element mandates postponing receipt of thatparticular message until a more opportune time.

[0094] In view of the foregoing, attention is now directed to thecommand design concept and command interpreter of the present invention.Having the highly advantageous recognition in hand that command entryand execution may occur concurrently, rather than sequentially,Applicants further recognize that cooperation between the processingarrangement, Storage Element and electronic memory arrangement canprovide even more enhancement with regard to completion of datatransfers in the most expedient manner possible, relative to a specificcommand. In particular, the present invention provides for “building” ordesigning commands in a way which is thought to implement the most rapidpossible execution of associated data transfers. One example, seenfrequently in the foregoing discussions, resides in when the commandspecifies spin-up of the rotatable media of the Storage Element. In onefeature, spin-up of media 340 of Storage Element 320 takes place oncethe number of defined transfers have a combined capacity that approachesor exceeds the storage capacity of electronic memory arrangement 312.Thus, referring again to FIG. 4c, assuming that transfers T1-T3 equalthe capacity of electronic memory arrangement 340 and further assumingthat T1-T3 are all defined at time t₄ (during entry of transfer command422), spin-up (not shown) takes place at t₄. In association with thisfeature, the command interpreter may on-the-fly examine the size of eachtransfer as it is defined to monitor the overall size of the combinationof defined transfers. A determination may be made, for example, of anaverage size transfer. At a point during user selections when thecombined total size of all transfers leaves less space available in theelectronic memory arrangement than one average size transfer, spin-upmay be initiated. In other words, spin-up occurs when the user is withinone average size selection of memory fill.

[0095] The command interpreter of the present invention may alsoestablish optimum spin-up time based on the rate of user activity duringentry of transfer commands. For example, the command interpreter of thepresent invention may monitor the rate at which a user makes selections.In this way, an average selection rate can be established such thatoptimum spin-up time is determinable based, at least in part, on theaverage selection rate. The optimum spin-up time is determined, inessence, based on the user's history in making selections, it can beestimated at what time the user will have made a sufficient number ofselections to fill or nearly fill the electronic memory. It should beappreciated that the objective of these various features is to spin therotatable media for a minimal amount of time necessary. In other words,it is desirable to begin transfers as soon as possible during a commandentry sequence, but to avoid idle times between defined transfers suchthat the Storage Element is generally experiencing data transfers whenit is spinning whereby to save battery power as one advantage. Thedescribed features may be combined in any suitable manner in order toaccomplish these objectives.

[0096] Command design is also important with regard to implementation ofother features such as the play initiate feature, described above, whichserves to ensure that the Storage Element is in its safe state prior tothe conclusion of a user interaction. In this connection, it should beappreciated that commands issued through the present invention encompassthe complexity of the native code of the device being controlled. It issubmitted that the absence of intervening layers of protocol provides,to a large degree, the capability to design commands in accordance withthe teachings herein. Other features, typical of control events, thatare at the discretion of the command designer include but are notlimited to head and spin motor status. As will be further described, thepresent invention contemplates environmental status as a factor incommand execution.

[0097] Attention is now directed to FIG. 5a which illustrates anexternal view of one potential implementation of device 300. Device 300may selectively incorporate any of the features and concepts describedherein with regard to those described in this overall disclosure.Accordingly, the device may comprise a hybrid combining thefunctionality of two or more separate prior art devices. Specifically,the combination of a wireless or cellular telephone and a digital musicplayer is implemented in device 300. The latter includes a housing 450,a user accessible keypad 452, a speaker area 454 positionable proximateto a user's ear, a microphone having a sound pickup (neither of which isshown) at an appropriate location on housing 450 and a display screen460. Storage Element 320 is mounted using mechanical shock isolationfeatures within housing 450, but is not visible in the presentillustration. Since the capability to play digital music is provided,device 300 further includes an audio output jack such as indicated bythe reference number 325 in FIG. 2. The audio output jack is selectivelyconnectable, for example, with audio headset 364 or any other earpiecearrangement suited for individual listening. Alternatively, the outputmay be provided to an audio or computer system. As described above,device 300 may incorporate a digital interface (see interface 328 inFIG. 2) at a suitable location on the housing. In this way, the devicemay interface with a user's computer at least for purposes of monitoringand controlling the digital music or other data saved on the StorageElement. The present invention further contemplates connection of device300 to another portable device including, but not limited to another,identical portable device for purposes of data sharing.

[0098] Turning now to FIG. 5b in conjunction with FIG. 5a, a series ofscreen shots will be described illustrating the operation of device 300primarily with respect to its digital music mode and associatedfeatures. FIG. 5b illustrates screen 460 of device 300 wherein aselection menu is presented to the user. The user may select either“Phone” or “Player”, for example, by using up and down arrow keys 464and 466, respectively, on keypad 452. In the present example, it isassumed that the user selects the Player option.

[0099] After selection of the Player mode, FIG. 5c illustrates onepossible presentation given on screen 460. Upon entering the playermode, it should be appreciated that the user may have previously beenusing the player only to be interrupted by a telephone call or perhapsmay have stopped playback for some other reason at a point during aplaylist. Accordingly, a menu is presented having four choices including“Resume Play”, “Review Playlists”, “Create New Playlist” and “PreviousMenu”. The “Resume Play” selection starts play of a previously selectedplaylist at the point where playback was last stopped or paused. Such apreviously selected playlist will remain available in electronic memoryarrangement 312 (see FIG. 2) until such time that the user chooses toreplace it. The “Review Playlists” selection permits the user to selectany previously created playlist available on the Storage Element.Playlists may be created using keypad 452 and display 460 or may becreated using an external computer interfaced with device 300 via itsUSB interface port (FIG. 2) or other suitable interface arrangements.The former process is initiated with the selection of the “Create NewPlaylist” selection. Selection of “Previous Menu” returns the user tothe display of FIG. 5b.

[0100] Turning to FIG. 5d, for purposes of this figure, it is assumedthat the “Review Playlist” selection was made in FIG. 5c. Consistentwith this selection, a playlist menu is illustrated in FIG. 5d. Thepresent example illustrates the display of Playlists 1-3 as well as theoption to select “More Playlists” wherein the choices corresponding toPlaylists 4-6 may be displayed (not shown) along with continuing todisplay the “More Playlists” selection where still further playlists areavailable. While the playlists described here are generically numbered,the user may create customized names that are displayed in associationwith each playlist. For example, the artist's name and/or the title ofthe work may be displayed.

[0101] Selection of one of the playlists on the screen of FIG. 5dresults in the presentation of screen 460 of FIG. 5e. Selection optionsare presented for “Song 1”, “Song 2” and “Song 3”. Selection of any oneof these initiates playback of the associated song from electronicmemory arrangement 300. Again, the songs have been generically numberedhere, but the user is readily provided with the option of customizingthe song names, for example, with the actual song title. Additionaloptions may be selected in FIG. 5e including “More Songs” which presentsthe next three song selections and which may be repeated until theplaylist has been exhausted. A “Load Playlist” selection returns theuser to the display of FIG. 5d. The user may alternatively select “EditPlaylist” for the purpose of modifying an existing playlist or forcreating a new playlist.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 5d and 5 f, selection of one of the playlistsshown in the display of FIG. 5d that is available on Storage Element320, but which is not currently available in electronic memoryarrangement 312 requires transfer of the associated data from theStorage Element to the electronic memory arrangement. Consistent withthe desire to protect the Storage Element during data accesses, asdescribed above, the illustrated “Loading” screen or a similar to suchdisplay may be presented to the user during the data transfer. Thisscreen may be presented, for example, corresponding to the time duringwhich the Storage Element is not in its aforedescribed safe state.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5g in conjunction with FIG. 5f, after theStorage Element has returned to its safe state, a “Play” and “PreviousMenu” selection are presented to the user. Generally, in this situationthe user is awaiting availability of the playlist for immediatelistening (i.e., viewing the display of FIG. 5f) and is thought to bevery likely to wait the few seconds required until the display of FIG.5g is presented in order to make the “Play” selection. Thus, the user isgiven the option to initiate playback only after the Storage Element isin its safe state. Any of the foregoing screen displays may be modifiedin any suitable manner while remaining within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0104] Referring again to FIG. 3, attention is now directed to certainaspects of the arrangement and operation of electronic components aspart of Storage Element 300. In particular, a channel IC 500 isphysically supported by and in electrical communication via main portion330 b of flexible circuit 330. A pre-amp IC 502 is also supported onportion 330 b of the flexible circuit. One advantage attendant topositioning the channel IC on the flexible circuit resides ineliminating the need for a printed circuit board (PCB) as part of theStorage Element. It should be mentioned that main portion 330 b of theflexible circuit is “wrapped” around flex carrier platform 356 such thatsignal routing and components may be mounted on the flexible circuitbelow the flex carrier platform. One component so positioned, in thepresent example, is a servo IC. Of course, such components are notvisible in the present illustration. Main portion 330 b of the flexiblecircuit may be bonded to platform 356 in any appropriate mannerincluding, but not limited to the use of a suitable adhesive.

[0105] At first blush, it may appear that locating these three IC's inthe Storage Element is readily accomplished. However, in the instance ofchannel IC 500, a number of complications, which are neither trivial norobvious, must be overcome in order to locate it on the flexible circuit.Not the least of these complications relates to noise encountered on theflexible circuit. The various signals carried by the flexible circuitinclude, for example, control signals that are digitally generated withextremely fast rise and fall times; also referred to as “sharp edges”.One of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the edges of such highlevel control signals produce considerable interference in the form ofradiated energy. At the same time, raw data passes through pre-amp IC502 enroute to channel IC 500 after having been read by sensorarrangement 346. The combined presence of the low-signal-level raw dataand the control signals at the flexible circuit is of concern withregard to potential corruption of the low-level signals. Processingperformed by channel IC 500 on the flexible circuit introduces stillfurther concern.

[0106] Still considering the location of channel IC 500, it is submittedthat one of ordinary skill in the art, in order to cope with thisinterference problem, would position the channel IC almost anywhere butthe flexible circuit, for example, on a printed circuit board. Asexemplified by the IBM Microdrive, discussed above, the channel IC ispart of the PCBA external to the HDA. The PCBA, in being isolated fromand a separate part with respect to the HDA, is less subject to theinterference that is present at the flexible circuit. Moreover, specialinterference provisions may be built into the area of circuitryassociated with the channel IC. Such provisions can be quite intricate,based on the relatively vast amount of space available on the PCBA.Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art may place a separate PCBwithin the HDA assembly for mounting the channel IC. This latterarrangement is attractive to one of ordinary skill in the art again forthe reason that the PCB can isolate the channel IC from theinterference. One appealing aspect, stemming from the prior art andwhich is applicable to locating the channel IC on either form of printedcircuit board, resides in the fact that locating components on printedcircuit boards is far less expensive than locating such components onthe flexible circuit.

[0107] The present invention resolves the foregoing interference problemby controlling signal characteristics using low level signaling (forexample, 1-1.8 volts or less), as well as signal routing on the flexiblecircuit and IC pin-out locations.

[0108] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the present inventionrecognizes a particular advantage that results from locating channel IC500 on flexible circuit 330. In order to achieve optimized performancefrom a controller and particular HDA, the channel IC must be customizedto the particular media and sensor combination of that HDA. That is,during normal production of a prior art hard drive, a programming stepmust be performed which controls the specific way in which the channelIC interacts with the HDA. Applicants are aware of no other way toachieve such optimized performance, short of programming yet anotherchannel IC. Thus, in order to achieve optimum performance, the presentinvention recognizes that a “customized” channel IC must remain with itsassociated HDA after programming. In the prior art, programmingfunctions directed to this customization or at least resources directedto executing them are generally permanently incorporated in memoryassociated with a hard drive controller on the PCBA of the hard drive.In the absence of channel customization, degraded or what may bereferred to as “generic” performance is obtained from a particularchannel and HDA combination.

[0109] Briefly considering the '751 patent, Applicants find no teachingswith regard to customizing a channel IC that remains permanentlyassociated with a particular HDA without an associated controlarrangement. While the patent suggests locating the channel IC in theHDA, in the host computer or distributed therebetween, the patent isdevoid of teachings with regard to selecting any one of these locationsas being advantageous. Thus, only generic performance appears to beavailable.

[0110] With the channel IC in a distributed configuration or whollywithin the host computer, customizing the channel is still furthercomplicated. In particular, it should be understood that the '751 patentembraces a modular system approach wherein peripherals such as an HDAare provided separate from the host computer and typically originatefrom different vendors. One advantage of such modular systems is seen inthe ability of even an end user to initially assemble the system and toadd components, as needed. Under these circumstances, with all of thecomponents coming together at the hands of the end user, there is no wayin which a customized channel can be provided for any particular HDA andchannel combination. In this regard, the present invention considerschannel customization by an end user as impractical. The channelcustomization procedure, normally performed during manufacture, isgenerally time consuming. For example, customizing the channel for a 20GB (capacity) hard drive may readily require 60 to 90 minutes. An evenmore compelling reason for avoiding the idea of end user customizationof the channel IC is evidenced by the fact that the channel programmingand test process serves in a quality control sense during manufacture.That is, an HDA/channel combination may be rejected at manufacture byfailing to perform above a specified threshold.

[0111] The present invention considers dismissal of a quality controlfunction, placed out of reach of the manufacturer, as unacceptable.Shifting such a manufacturing-oriented quality control function to theend user is likewise considered as virtually inconceivable. Thealternative, inherently exhibited by the '751 patent, is to settle forgeneric performance levels. The present invention further rejects thislatter alternative and provides a highly advantageous and heretoforeunseen solution which is described hereinafter.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3, it is initially important to understand thatchannel IC 500 is customized to magnetic media 340 and sensorarrangement 344 of Storage Element 320. The ability to provide acustomized channel is attributable, in part, to the recognition that thechannel IC is only programmable, from any standard of practicality, bythe manufacturer of Storage Element 320. In this way, a value-addedreseller may provide a device such as, for example, device 300 includingStorage Element 320 configured for optimized performance, including acustomized channel.

[0113] Still referring to FIG. 3, attention is turned to an additionaladvantage related to channel IC 500. Specifically, the latter includes achannel characteristics section 510 comprising a nonvolatile area whichcontains certain information related to the configuration of the StorageElement. This information may include, for example, the storage capacityof the Storage Element, and the attributes of the section of the diskcontaining the system configuration. The purpose in providing channelcharacteristics section 510 resides in configuring the Storage Elementsuch that anticipated and/or typical changes in the Storage Element donot necessitate changes in other portions of the Storage Element suchas, for example, in processing arrangement 302. That is, the processingarrangement within an overall host device may be configured to read thechannel characteristics section, for example, during an initial boot-upsequence to provide for appropriately accessing the Storage Element. Inthis way, a single processing arrangement may access a variety ofdifferent Storage Element configurations with no attendant modificationof the processing arrangement required.

[0114] Attention is now directed to a number of other highlyadvantageous features of the present invention which protect the StorageElement from the effects of mechanical shock and which generally enhanceits reliability. As described above, HDD's are susceptible to failurewhen the head or heads contact the media, for example, as a result ofreception of a mechanical shock which is sufficient to move the headarrangement. In the absence of rotation of the media, the failure isusually catastrophic since the heads will become stuck to the media;relative movement will thereafter tear the head(s) from the actuatorarm. One arrangement for parking the head arrangement is described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,933,785 issued to Morehouse et al (hereinafterMorehouse). The latter describes a ramp configuration wherein the headarrangement rides against the ramp to be received in its parked positionby seating in some sort of detent formed in the ramp.

[0115] Once the head arrangement is in the parked position, latchingarrangements are typically relied on to restrain movement of the headarrangement as a result of mechanical shock. While prior art rampparking arrangements and cooperating latching arrangements are generallysuited to their intended applications, it is submitted that sucharrangements remain susceptible to certain problems which, until now,remain unresolved. For example, a controller may initiate parking of thehead arrangement, however, the head arrangement may not fully transferto its parked position. That is, the head arrangement may slide onlypartially up the ramp, failing to reach the detent. Alternatively, thehead arrangement may engage the ramp with too much momentum-sliding upthe ramp only to hit and bounce off of a hard stop at the end of theramp, stopping away from the detent and out of position. In eithersituation, it is quite likely that a latching arrangement willthereafter be incapable of restraining movement of the head arrangementsince such latching arrangements are normally designed under thepresumption that the head arrangement is at least initially located inits parked position (i.e., seated in the detent). Moreover, particularlyfor shock forces which tend to move the head arrangement down the rampand toward the magnetic media, the magnitude of force required toinitiate movement is significantly reduced, as compared to starting withthe head arrangement seated in the detent. At the same time, thecontroller (processing arrangement) is unaware of this status which islikely to soon result in a catastrophic drive failure.

[0116] The foregoing discussion evidences a void in the prior art withrespect to recognizing a need for monitoring at least certain aspects orattributes which are related to the operational status of anenvironmentally sensitive electromechanical data storage arrangement.The present invention, in contrast, recognizes this need, particularlywith regard to implementation in portable devices. Attributes of concernat the Storage Element of the present invention include, but are notlimited to positional status of the head arrangement, rotational statusof the spin motor, environmental temperature at the Storage Element andthe shock environment being experienced. Once a view to these attributesis provided, appropriate responses may be formulated, as will bedescribed in the context of a number of attributes immediatelyhereinafter.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, attention is now directed to a highlyadvantageous actuator arm position sensor. These figures illustrateactuator arm 344 in the parked position. Consistent with terminology ofthe art, this position may be referred to as having the “headsunloaded”. Conversely, the term having the “heads loaded” may refer tothe position when the actuator arm or head/transducer arrangement ispositioned for reading magnetic media 340. FIG. 6 illustrates a portionof Storage Element 320 including actuator arm 344, portion 330 b offlexible circuit 330 supported by flexible carrier platform 356 and ramp360. It is noted again that the flexible circuit “sandwiches” flexiblecarrier platform 356. In the illustrated actuator arm position sensorimplementation, a tab 510 is integrally formed using a portion of theflexible carrier platform, with the tab thereafter being bent upwardly.A tab portion 512 of the flexible circuit is formed integrally with thatportion of the flexible circuit which is beneath flexible carrierplatform 356, as seen in FIG. 6. Tab portion 512 of the flexible circuitmay be attached to support tab 510 in any suitable manner such as, forexample, using a suitable adhesive. A contact button 514 is arranged onand supported by tab portion 512. A conductive trace, which is notvisible in the present illustration, is integrally formed with theflexible circuit and connects electrically with contact button 514.Electrical monitoring of the status of the contact button is therebyprovided for any monitoring arrangement having access to the flexiblecircuit such as processing arrangement 302 shown in FIG. 2. Contactbutton 514 may be formed using, for example, a solder bump, a dimpleformed in the flex circuit, a protrusion in the underlying flexiblecarrier platform which “outsets” the contact area or any suitablecombination of such design concepts. It should be appreciated that theuse of a flexible circuit and carrying platform is not a requirement.For example, a stationary contact configured to engage the actuator armin the parked position may be supported in any suitable manner includingdirectly by the housing of the Storage Element. Alternatively, acomponent carrying substrate may be used in place of the combination ofthe flexible circuit and carrying platform.

[0118] Still referring to FIG. 6, as previously described, a portion ofthe flexible circuit comprises flex actuator arm connection 330 c. Aportion of this latter element extends from the position at which it isreceived by the actuator arm along the length of the arm to anelectrical contact area 516 supported by a contact support surface 518.The contact support surface may be integrally formed with the actuatorarm or produced separately therefrom for suitable attachment to theactuator arm. Electrical contact area 516 may be fixedly attached to thecontact support surface in any suitable manner such as, for example, byusing an adhesive. Actuator arm 344 is shown in its parked position withlift tab 354 seated in a detent 520 formed in ramp 360. Contact button514 and contact area 516 are arranged such that electrical contact ismaintained between these latter two elements when the actuator arm is inits parked position. In this regard, flex actuator arm connection 330 c(see FIG. 3) of the flexible circuit is used to apply a resilient biaswhereby to maintain such electrical contact in the absence of mechanicalshock forces below a predetermined threshold value. The flex actuatorarm connection arm or dynamic loop may be configured in any suitablemanner to this end. While FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration havingprimarily one bend, an “S” curve, as shown in FIG. 6, is considered asbeing particularly effective. It should be appreciated that this overallcontacting arrangement may be modified by one having ordinary skill inthe art in any number of alternative ways. For example, the actuator armis generally at ground potential. Rather than button 514 contacting theflexible circuit, the button may contact the grounded body of theactuator arm so as to bring the button and flexible circuit trace incommunication therewith to ground potential.

[0119] With continuing reference to FIG. 6, another actuator armposition sensor implementation will be described. Specifically, ramp 360is formed having an electrically conductive volume 522 defined between apair of dashed lines 524. Conductive volume 522 itself defines a landingsurface 526 which contacts lift tab 354 in the parked position. Volume522 extends to a lowermost surface of the ramp proximate to flexiblecircuit 330 b. A contact pad (not shown) may be formed as part of theflexible circuit, having an associated trace for external communication,to maintain electrical contact between the ramp conductive volume andthe flexible circuit contact pad. In accordance with this arrangement,ramp 360 may be formed, for example, by injection molding using Teflon®for non-conductive portions of the ramp and carbon filled Delrin® forelectrically conductive volume 522. The lift tab is generally at groundpotential by virtue of electrical communication with the actuator arm.When lift tab 354 contacts the landing surface, conductive volume 522and the associated trace in the flexible circuit are brought to groundpotential. Of course, as an alternative to a grounded lift tab, aseparate, electrically isolated conductor [not shown] may be routed tothe lift tab along the length of the actuator arm for purposes ofcontacting landing surface 526 using an appropriate arrangement on lifttab 354.

[0120] With regard to both implementations of head arrangement/actuatorarm position monitoring mechanisms, it should be appreciated that anunlimited number of modifications may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art in view of this overall disclosure. All suchmodifications are considered to reside within the scope of the appendedclaims. Irrespective of the specific manner in which the actuator armposition monitoring arrangement is implemented, the advantages providedthrough its use are considered to provide sweeping and heretoforeunavailable improvements in a number of areas, as will be described atappropriate points hereinafter.

[0121] Turning now to FIG. 7, an actuator arm position monitoringcircuit is generally indicated by the reference number 600, as shownwithin a dashed box. This latter circuit generally forms a portion ofthe Storage Element and cooperates with the actuator arm positionmonitoring sensor of the present invention, as diagrammaticallyillustrated and indicated by the reference number 602 in the form of aswitch within a dashed box. Any form of actuator arm position monitoringsensor may be used, as described above or with suitable modifications.Circuit 600 includes signal drivers 604 and 606, a flip-flop 608 and adata register 610 storing five bits of information denoted as bits t, z,c, x and y. Register 610 is, in turn, accessible to previously describedprocessing arrangement 302. As mentioned above, in certainimplementations where a transitional IC is used, register 610 may beaccessed by the processing arrangement using one or more vendor uniquecommands. Alternatively, the register is read directly by the processingarrangement. A resistor R1 is connected to a V+ power supply so as topull-up the output of driver 606 along with the line leading to theactuator arm positioning arrangement, as will be described.

[0122] Processing arrangement 302 reads the status of actuator armposition monitoring circuit 600 using bits x and y. Bit y indicates acurrent status of the actuator arm position sensor. Signal driver 604provides the current status value both to the y register position and toa clock input of flip-flop 608. Other implementations may set D to ahigh logic level. In the present example, the D input of flip-flop 608is grounded. The x register value comprises an output Q of flip-flop608, as will be further described. It should be appreciated that highand low logic levels are not generally used in the present discussionwith regard to state indication since the circuitry is readily adaptableto use either logic value as a “true” value. Accordingly, a valueindicative of the actuator arm sensor being in its closed position isconsidered as true. The z register comprises an enable signal providedto an enable input of signal driver 606 which may be set by processingarrangement 302, as desired. The t register position allows processingarrangement 302 to provide a logical value that is driven onto theoutput of signal driver 306 when the latter is enabled by theappropriate value stored in the z register position. In this way, testfunctionality is provided whereby a selected value may be placed on theoutput of signal driver 606, irrespective of whether the actuator armsensor switch is in its open position. The test value is then availablein register y via signal driver 604 for access by processing arrangement302. The test value read from the y register location can then becompared by the processing arrangement with the expected value toconfirm proper operation of the circuitry.

[0123] For purposes of monitoring the status of the actuator armposition sensor during operation of the Storage Element, flip-flop 608may initially be reset by processing arrangement 302 upon movement ofthe actuator arm away from the parked position. That is, the x registervalue is reset while the actuator arm position sensing switch is open(false) using the c register position. Accordingly, during ongoingaccess of media 340 (FIG. 3) the x and y register locations both store afalse value. The x and y register values will change, however, once theactuator arm returns even briefly to the parked position. Initially, itis assumed that the actuator arm reaches the parked position so thatlift tab 354 seats properly in detent 520. Once the actuator armposition sensor (in any of the aforedescribed implementations) switchesto the true state, a true value is presented by signal driver 604. Thisvalue is stored in register location y. At the same time, the true valueis presented to the clock input of flip-flop 608. Any voltage waveformedge provided to the clock input of the flip-flop will cause the outputof the flip-flop to toggle to the true value which is then saved inregister location x, as provided from the Q output of the flip-flop.Thus, both the x and y registers store a true value. Upon reading thiscondition, processing arrangement 302 is substantially assured that theactuator arm is in the parked position. The foregoing describes parkingin a “normal” manner. That is, the actuator arm is moved away fromaccessing the magnetic media with just enough energy to slide lift tab354 up the sloped face of ramp 360 to thereafter seat and be captured indetent 520.

[0124] Having described the result that obtains relative to monitoringcircuit 600 when the actuator arm parks normally, various scenarios willnow be considered in which the actuator arm fails to reach the parkedposition in the normal manner. In a first scenario, the actuator arm issimply moved with an insufficient amount of energy such that lift tab354 may engage the sloped face of ramp 360, but fails to reach detent520. In this case, the x and y values will both remain false. Uponsensing this condition, processing arrangement 302 is substantiallyassured that the actuator arm is not parked or unloaded. One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the Storage Element or any HDD,for that matter, is in grave danger of catastrophic failure in thisscenario. The present invention, by producing an unequivocal indicationof this danger, provides that appropriate remedial actions may then betaken, as described at appropriate points below.

[0125] In a second scenario wherein the actuator arm fails to parknormally, the actuator arm is moved away from a loaded position withexcessive force applied thereto by the voice coil motor. In this regard,it should be appreciated that the actuator arm is generally configuredto encounter a stop (not shown) which prevents the actuator arm fromovershooting ramp 360. Unfortunately, however, the actuator arm maybounce off of the stop. Actuator arm position sensor circuit 600 willinitially toggle to true values for both the x and y registers. As aresult of the bounce, however, the y register value then toggles tofalse. Processing arrangement 302 observes a true value for x and afalse value for y. Generally, this status seen in the x and y registersis indicative of a bounce. The Storage Element or HDD employing thisarrangement is again in danger of catastrophic failure. Upon thisobservation, remedial measures may be taken by processing arrangement302 including modification of the drive signal provided to the voicecoil motor, as will be further described.

[0126] Attention is now directed to FIG. 8 which is a partial cut-awayview of voice coil motor end 346 of actuator arm 344. Voice coil 350 isshown positioned between lower magnetic plate assembly 348 and an uppermagnetic plate assembly 630. A magnet 632 forms part of the lower magnetassembly for producing a static magnetic field between the upper andlower assemblies. Actuator pivot 351 is also shown. Lines of magneticflux are indicated by the reference number 634 extending between thelower and upper magnet plate assemblies, cutting through voice coil 350.Applicants have recognized that the voice coil end of the actuator armexhibits a resonant frequency in a direction indicated by adouble-headed arrow 636. Applicants, more importantly, have recognizedthat, because the voice coil is positioned in a magnetic field, anopportunity is provided for a remarkably advantageous technique andarrangement directed to monitoring the shock environment of the StorageElement as an operational attribute in the context of operation of theStorage Element of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIG. 8, details withregard to monitoring the shock environment of Storage Element 320 willbe described. In view of the foregoing discussion, it should beappreciated that the voice coil motor end of actuator arm 344 vibratesnormal to its plane of motion for data access at its resonant frequencyresponsive to the Storage Element being subjected to external shockforces having a component that is normal to the plane of the actuatorarm. Accordingly, voice coil 350 will move consistent with the directionillustrated by arrow 636. Since the voice coil is exposed to magneticflux lines 634, a voltage is generated by the voice coil responsive tothis motion. Generation of this voltage has been empirically verified byApplicants. FIG. 9 illustrates one possible mechanical shock monitoringcircuit, generally indicated by the reference number 700, for utilizingthe shock voltage. Voice coil 350 is diagrammatically shown. The voicecoil is electrically connected to a pair of drivers 702 and 704 that arethemselves driven by control circuitry which has not been illustratedfor purposes of simplicity. A conditioning circuit 706 includes highimpedance inputs connected across voice coil 350 to pick up the shockvoltage signal induced in the voice coil. Conditioning circuit 706 mayinclude any necessary functions such as, for example, amplification andfiltering. It should be appreciated that the signal level of the inducedshock voltage may be quite small such that significant gain is requiredin order to increase the signal to a useful level dependent, of course,on the specific configuration of the voice coil motor arrangement andthe level of shock to be detected.

[0128] Continuing with a description of the circuitry of FIG. 9, acomparator 708 compares the output of signal conditioner 395 a to a setpoint input of the comparator provided on a line indicated as “sens”.This latter line serves as a sensitivity adjustment which may be underthe control of processing arrangement 302. Moreover, the processingarrangement may vary the sensitivity adjustment in accordance withvarious operational circumstances. Alternatively, the sensitivity may beset during factory calibration procedures. In the event that shockvoltages are presented to the comparator which exceed the currentsensitivity setting, comparator 708 produces a square wave output thatis received by a clock input of a D type flip-flop 710. The D input offlip-flop 710 may be set to either a high or low logic level with thelatter being illustrated. Upon receipt of an input edge from comparator708, flip-flop 710 toggles output Q which then is loaded into a register712 as a bit “s”. Like previously described register 610, register 712may be located within the Storage Element or on the host side proximateto processing arrangement 302. Any location is suitable so long as it isreadable by processing arrangement 302. Flip-flop 710 is reset using itsclear input connected to a line that is controlled by processingarrangement 302. The flip-flop may be reset immediately after readingthe s bit or within the context of ongoing processing operations. Upondetecting that the s bit is set, processing arrangement 302 may respondin a number of alternative ways, as will be described below.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 2, as described above, entering the shock safestate of the Storage Element requires parking or unloading sensor/headarrangement 344. In this regard, the present invention recognizes thatan awareness of the position of the head arrangement is critical toensuring the reliability of Storage Element 320. Having describedseveral implementations of the head arrangement sensing feature of thepresent invention, attention will now be directed to using this featurein the context of a number of highly advantageous techniques.

[0130] The shock environment sensing arrangement of the presentinvention is considered as being highly advantageous, particularly withregard to devices such as Storage Element 302 that are intended for usein portable applications. As described previously, the shock monitoringfeature of the present invention allows the processing arrangement togauge the shock environment of device 300 prior to initiating datastorage or retrieval using the Storage Element. This feature is readilycombined with any other provision described herein for the purpose ofmitigation of mechanical shock effects on the operation of the StorageElement. Moreover, the shock environment is sensed within the StorageElement itself so as to account for attenuation of shock forcesresulting from shock mounting the Storage Element within a portabledevice. Shock monitoring capability is also highly advantageous duringtest and development of the Storage Element and is readily suited to anyform of device, including an HDD, which utilizes a voice coil motor.

[0131] Initially, it is noted that a number of prior art algorithms havebeen developed for the specific purpose of parking the head arrangement.Such an algorithm may be implemented in a variety of different ways forthis intended purpose. Each individual algorithm may therefore operateincorporating one or more parameters, each of which influences thereliability or probability that the head arrangement will, in fact,properly reach the parked position. Such parameters may include, forexample, the magnitude of a drive current which is used to drive thevoice coil motor in moving to the parked position, a specified positionof the head arrangement from which movement to the parked position isinitiated and the velocity of the head arrangement. Accordingly, thefocus of the present invention considers adjustment of any parametersthat are in use within a particular algorithm in order to improveparking reliability. That is, the effect of adjusting any one parameteror parameter combination is discernible through the teachings herein.

[0132] Turning now to FIG. 10, a parking calibration method performed inaccordance with the present invention is generally indicated by thereference number 800. Calibration method 800 begins with a step 802 inwhich initial values of the parameters are set within the particularparking sequence or algorithm to be applied. Thus, the initial valuesmay represent values which have been developed in any suitable manner.Step 804 then proceeds by using the initial values of the parameters toactually execute the parking sequence. A read of the head positionindicator of the present invention is subsequently performed by step806. Step 808 then saves the result of this particular parking sequenceexecution, indexed against the specific values of parameters which wereemployed. Following step 808, step 810 tests the result of the currentparking sequence. In the event that this sequence failed, executionmoves to step 812 in which one or more parameters are modified, asdesired. As described above, one significant parameter is the magnitudeor duration of the signal used as a drive signal to drive the voice coilmotor arrangement in order to move the head arrangement to the parkedposition. For illustrative convenience, parameter changes may bedescribed with regard to modifying this voice coil motor drive signal.It is to be understood that this technique is equally applicable tovirtually any parameter and, hence, is in no way limited to the voicecoil motor drive signal.

[0133] For the voice coil motor drive signal, the initial parametersetting may use a particular magnitude that is changed by somepredetermined increment with each successive repetition of the parkingsequence. It is to be understood, in this regard, that a failurecondition is typically encountered by both increasing and decreasing thevoice coil motor drive from the particular magnitude. In one instance,increasing the drive current sufficiently results in the headarrangement bouncing off of the parking arrangement; the headarrangement passes through the parked position twice. In the otherinstance, decreasing the drive current sufficiently results in the headarrangement having insufficient momentum to fully reach the parkedposition. Therefore, the voice coil motor drive current exemplifies aparameter which exhibits both upper and lower failure values orthresholds. That is, this parameter is adjustable both up and down inorder to find an optimum value. In one feature, the optimum value may beselected as that value which is approximately half-way in magnitudebetween the upper and lower magnitudes at which failure occurs. Otherparameters likewise exhibit upper and lower failure values such thatthis precept remains equally applicable thereto. When performingcalibration sequences relating to parameters having both upper and lowerfailure limits, it may be advantageous to vary the parameter from ahigher or low magnitude which is almost certainly outside of theoperational range that is defined between the upper and lower failurelimits. In this way, the calibration procedure sweeps or passes throughthe entire operational range between the limits such that both the upperand lower limits can be found in one pass through the entire range ofpotential magnitude of that parameter. Following parameter modification,execution moves back to step 404 to begin the parking sequence with themodified parameters.

[0134] Still referring to FIG. 10, if step 810 does not detect a failurein the parking sequence, step 814 is entered. This latter step monitorsthe overall number of times that the parking sequence has been repeatedfor a particular configuration of the parameters. If the currentconfiguration of parameter settings has not been repeated N times,execution is returned to step 804. The parking sequence will generallybe repeated a statistically significant number of times, indicated hereas N, for each configuration of the parameters so as to establish aprobability of the head arrangement reaching the parked position forthat particular configuration. For example, N might be equal to 100. Asingle failure in attempting to reach the parked position out of 100tries will generally be considered as unacceptable, indicating a failurethreshold.

[0135] If, on the other hand, the current parameter configuration hasbeen successfully repeated N times, step 816 is entered. In step 816, adecision is made as to whether the parking sequence is to be repeatedwith a different configuration of the parameter settings. If that is thecase, step 812 is executed whereby to modify the parameters followedagain by step 804. It should be appreciated that the specificimplementation of step 816 is dependent upon the particular algorithmthat is employed by the parking sequence. Therefore, the parameter setmay be modified in a manner that is suited to the particular algorithm.In this regard, it is considered that one having ordinary skill in theart is capable of modifying any known algorithm parameter set eithercurrently known or yet to be developed in view of this overalldisclosure. One possible implementation might optimize one of theparameters which is initially considered to be the most critical.Thereafter, other parameters within the group of parameters defined bythe particular algorithm may be modified on an individual basis. Stillfurther modifications may include changes made to more than oneparameter at a time.

[0136] Different calibration procedures may be employed dependent uponthe state of product development. For example, a rather exhaustivesearch for an optimum set of parameters may be performed using arelatively great number of parameter configurations on a certain numberof units produced in an initial production run. Having found thatinitial set of optimum parameters, the parameter calibration process maythereafter be relaxed somewhat, using a lesser number of parameterconfigurations.

[0137] Once step 816 determines that all of the parameter modificationstargeted for execution have been completed, a probability set comprisingall of the values used in the parameter configurations is available.Step 818 is performed whereby to choose the set of parameters to beemployed for operational purposes using the probability set. A number ofdifferent objectives may be brought to bear in selecting the optimizedset of parameters. As mentioned above, one possible selection resides,for “two-valued” parameters, in choosing a midpoint between upper andlower failure values. It is to be understood, however, that otherobjectives may also be considered. In the example of the voice coilmotor drive current parameter, a magnitude may be selected that issomewhat closer to the lower failure limit for purposes of powerconservation. This objective is particularly applicable in the instanceof portable devices which operate on battery power.

[0138] In one highly advantageous feature, step 820 saves the optimizedparameters on the magnetic media using the head arrangement. Duringoperation of the Storage Element, these parameters are retrieved andemployed by the processing arrangement, as will be further described atan appropriate point below. Therefore, each and every unit produced mayoperate with a customized set of parameters in terms of parkingcalibration as well as other aspects of operation, as will be furtherdescribed.

[0139] Referring now to FIG. 11, a highly advantageous parametertracking method is generally indicated by the reference number 900. Itis noted that this tracking method may be performed as an adjunct to theforegoing calibration procedure, as will be further described. Aproduction line is generally indicated by the reference number 902having a plurality of Storage Elements 320 coming off of the line forentry into method 900. Initially, it should be understood that thismethod is advantageous in tracking changes that are occurring in theStorage Element, but which nonetheless might otherwise go unnoticed, atleast until these changes reach critical levels. Since differentcomponents which make up the Storage Element are likely to be sourcedfrom different vendors, it is possible that sufficient changes in one ofthese components, even where the vendor is unaware of drifting toleranceor composition changes, could ultimately produce fatal problems duringoperation. The present invention, through the use of its head sensorposition indication arrangement, contemplates tracking performance driftin relation to certain characterizable aspects of performance. Thisoverall technique may be referred to hereinafter as “trendcharacterization” or “parameter tracking”.

[0140] Still referring to FIG. 11, method 900 begins by initiallyestablishing start parameters in step 904. It should be appreciated thatseveral different approaches may be employed with regard to setting thestart parameters. In one approach, the parameters may be set so thatfailure to reach the parked position is virtually assured. Theparameters may then be adjusted in a direction toward what is known tobe an operational value or range of operational values, in the case of aparameter having both upper and lower failure limits. In this manner,the failure threshold(s) for each individual parameter and for subsetsand/or the overall set of parameters may be established, as desired. Inanother approach, the parameters are initialized in what is thought tobe an optimized or at least operational state. The parameters are thenadjusted in one or both directions toward the failure threshold(s).Again, individual parameters may be adjusted so as to find the failurethreshold(s) of each parameter as well as finding associated failurethresholds for subsets of parameters and the overall collection ofparameters. Any set of values for the parameters at which a failurethreshold is present may be referred to as a failure configuration.

[0141] Step 906 executes the parking sequence using the initial set ofstarting parameters. It is noted that execution of the parking sequencethroughout this overall disclosure is assumed to begin from having thehead arrangement positioned for reading from the magnetic media or fromsome defined, but unparked position from which the parking sequencealgorithm is designed to start. In fact, this starting position maycomprise one of the parameters of the parking sequence algorithm. Thestarting position may define a lower failure limit or threshold nearestthe parking arrangement and an upper failure limit somewhat further awayfrom the parking arrangement.

[0142] Step 908 then reads the head position to establish whether or notthe head arrangement reached the parked position. In step 910, theresult of step 908 is recorded for subsequent use. Step 912 then teststhe number of times that the parking sequence has been repeated. In thisregard, the parking sequence may be repeated any number of times for aparticular set-up of parameters so as to assure a sufficiently accuratedetermination of the probability of parking at those settings. As onealternative, during this repetition of the parking sequence, theincidence of one failure may immediately move the procedure tomodification of the parking parameters.

[0143] Having repeated the parking sequence for a particular setting ofthe parameters N number of times, step 914 establishes whether or not afailure threshold was found in view of the results stored in step 910.If a failure threshold was not found, step 916 modifies the parametersettings in a manner that is consistent with the parking algorithm beingemployed. Thereafter, step 906 re-executes the parking sequence.Operation continues to establish whether or not a failure threshold isfound for the new settings of the parameters. When a failure thresholdis found for a particular configuration of the parking parameters, step918 saves the failure configuration and determines whether the method isto be applied to a different parameter, subset or the overall group ofparameters. If so, the foregoing process is repeated. Otherwise, step920 records the results for the particular unit having just been testedin the form of all of its failure configurations of interest. Step 922then checks for another unit to be tested. Accordingly, any number ofunits may be tested from an individual production run. More importantly,this overall process is applicable over long-term periods of time. Forexample, across the entire number of Storage Elements produced having aparticular model number. From time to time, step 924 is employed wherebyto compare the recorded failure configurations and specific valuesacross all of these units. Step 925 is then used to establish trends infailure values with continued production of the unit. Thus, impendingproblems may be averted. As an example, if frictional coefficients aretrending upward as a result of changes in the composition from whichramp 360 (see FIG. 3) is formed, the lower recorded failure thresholdvalue for the drive current required to park the head arrangement willbe observed to be trending upward. With this trend information in hand,an investigation may be undertaken to ascertain what is causing theincrease in the required magnitude of current. In this manner, anynumber of developing problems may be identified. Applicants considerthis process as being highly advantageous, since operational conditionsare maintainable well separated from ascertained failure thresholds.

[0144] Although methods 800 and 900, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11respectively, are described separately for purposes of clarity, itshould be appreciated that these methods are combinable in view of thisoverall disclosure. That is, essentially all of the foregoingcalibration and trend tracking information may be determined oncethreshold value limits embraced by failure configurations for theparameters in any particular parking algorithm have been established. Inthis regard, the steps of the described methods may be changed insequence and/or modified in any suitable manner so long as the teachingsherein are applied. Moreover, these methods are considered to beapplicable to the production of virtually any hard disk drive. Thebenefit of an optimized parking algorithm will significantly enhancereliability of any hard disk drive through application of the teachingsherein.

[0145] Having described the use of the head arrangement sensing featureof the present invention for the purpose of calibration and trendtracking, attention is now directed to certain aspects of the use ofthis feature during operation of the Storage Element or, of course,during the operation of any hard disk drive produced having the headarrangement sensing feature of the present invention. As mentionedabove, an awareness of the position of the head arrangement is criticalto reliable operation of any hard disk type storage arrangement,particularly when the head arrangement is supposed to be parked. Thatis, if the head arrangement is inadvertently moved away from its parkedposition, for example, due to the receipt of an external shock force,its transducer is likely to be torn lose as a result of non-rotationalcontact with the magnetic media disk. The head arrangement sensingfeature of the present invention is highly advantageous, in the firstinstance, by providing the ability to actually confirm that the headarrangement has been received in the parked or unloaded position.Moreover, having initially confirmed that the head arrangement isreceived in the parked position, its status may readily be re-confirmed,as desired. One particular application for the use of head arrangementsensing feature of the present invention will be described immediatelyhereinafter.

[0146] Turning now to FIG. 12, an advanced parking control andmonitoring sequence, performed in accordance with the present invention,is generally indicated by the reference number 1000. Method 1000 isperformed by processing arrangement 302 within device 300. It should beappreciated, however, that the method is readily adapted for use in anyform of hard disk drive arrangement. Method 1000 begins with step 1002in which a parking sequence is initiated. The parking sequence employedmay utilize parameters having values identified and selected, forexample, using highly advantageous calibration procedure 800 describedabove. Again, any suitable parking algorithm may be employed within theoverall context of this method. Following step 1002, in step 1004, theprocessing arrangement reads the positional status of the headarrangement. Step 1006 then produces an indication based on this read.The indication may be provided in a wide variety of different ways. Inone feature, an interrupt may be generated for receipt by the processingarrangement. In another highly advantageous feature, the indication isproduced and stored in a register. The latter may be located within theStorage Element itself for subsequent access by the processingarrangement. Alternatively, the register may be located at any suitablelocation within the overall device so long as the processing arrangementhas access thereto. This read may be performed in any suitable manner.For example, the processing arrangement may directly read the headposition sensing arrangement. As an alternative, register 610 describedwith respect to FIG. 3 may be read. If the indication, for example, perthe x and y bits of register 610, shows the head arrangement to beproperly parked, stop step 1008 is executed.

[0147] If, on the other hand, the bits indicate that the headarrangement is not parked, step 1010 is performed in which an additionalparking sequence is executed using the same parameter settings.Thereafter, step 1012 increments a recovery sequence counter (notshown). As will be seen, the recovery sequence counter counts the numberof times that the parking sequence is repeated using its initial set ofparameters. Step 1014 then tests the number of times which the parkingsequence has been repeated. This sequence continues until the limit isencountered. The limit may be set, for example, in the range from 1 toany useful number of attempts.

[0148] Once the limit has been encountered, step 1016 performs aterminating parking sequence which is different from the parkingsequence that is employed in the initial part of the method. Theterminating parking sequence may be developed in view of a number ofdifferent considerations. For example, terminating parking sequence mayvary the parameter settings in view of the bit settings in register 610.Specifically, as mentioned above, if one of the bits is set, while theother bit is not set, the head arrangement has most likely bounced offof the parking arrangement. Accordingly, the parameter corresponding tothe voice coil motor drive current may be reduced in magnitude forpurposes of the terminating parking sequence. On the other hand, if bothof the bits are not set, the head arrangement has most likely notreached the parked position by virtue of lack of momentum. Therefore,the parameter corresponding to the voice coil motor drive current may beincreased in magnitude for use in the terminating parking sequence.Following step 1016, step 1018 again tests the status of the headarrangement's position.

[0149] While steps 1016 and 1018, in combination, illustrate theterminating parking sequence as a one pass-through procedure forpurposes of clarity and for facilitating brevity of this discussion, itis to be understood that this terminating parking sequence may encompassa repetitive process which bears some relationship to the calibrationprocedure of method 400 described above. That is, parameter magnitudesmay be varied in incremental steps with repetition of the parkingsequence, accompanied by testing the result of each variation.

[0150] Step 1020 performs a final check of the head arrangementposition. If a parked indication is obtained, the procedure mayterminate at stop step 1008. If the indication continues to show thatthe head arrangement is not parked, step 1022 generates a notificationindicating to the device user that a problem has been encountered whichis apparently unrecoverable. The notification may be provided in anysuitable form such as, for example, in an audio and/or visual form. Theforegoing procedure may be modified to suit any number of operationalconsiderations. For example, the number of times that the parkingsequence is repeated with any configuration of its parameters may becontrolled, at least in part, by time constraints imposed through theoverall operation of the device. Still further steps may be added to theoverall process with the intent of enhancing the probability of survivalof the Storage Element or other such hard disk drive type device. Forexample, following failure of the terminating parking sequence toachieve an indication that the head arrangement is parked, the voicecoil motor drive signal may be issued at a level which is intended tohold the transducer(s) of the head arrangement just outside the outerdiameter of the magnetic media.

[0151] Having described the head position sensing arrangement of thepresent invention and its use in a number of highly advantageousprocesses, it will be appreciated that the present invention providessweeping advantages over the state-of-the-art. As is the case with anyof the methods described herein, the ordered sequence of steps andspecific design of individual steps and/or combinations thereof whichmake up method 1000 are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention, as modified by one having ordinary skill in the art in viewof this disclosure.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 13 in conjunction with FIG. 2, attention is nowdirected to a highly advantageous test/programming board, generallyindicated by the reference number 1100. Board 1100 includes a processor1102, a controller 1104, a channel programming routines section 1106 anda connector 1108 configured for temporarily accepting the free end offlexible circuit 330 (partially shown) during the manufacturing process.Previously described connector 332 may be used as connector 1108,provided that it will accommodate repeated connect and disconnectcycles. In this regard, board 1100 is physically configured fortemporary mating with Storage Element 320 during manufacturing for thepurpose of customizing channel IC 500. This physical connection may beaccomplished, for example, using plastic clips. Because the physicalarrangement of board 1100 and Storage Element 320 may be accomplished inan unlimited number of ways, within the capability of one havingordinary skill in the art, a particular physical arrangement has notbeen illustrated. For example, an electrical interconnection arrangementmay include a first portion forming one part of the Storage Element andhaving a second portion forming another part of the test/programmingboard for detachably electrically connecting the digital storagearrangement to the programming arrangement. In one embodiment, one ofthe first and second portions of the said interconnection arrangementmay include a set of resilient contact members and the other one of thefirst and second portions may include a set of contact pads electricallyconnectable with the resilient contact members for use in programmingthe channel.

[0153] Channel programming routines section 1106 comprises anappropriate form of memory (e.g., ROM in combination with RAM) loadedwith programming for execution by processor 1102 to issue native codeinstructions to controller 1104. The latter is configured in essentiallythe same manner as a prior art hard drive controller. That is,controller 1100 is configured to execute the native code of StorageElement 320 as a requirement to customizing channel IC 320. It should beappreciated that board 1100 is configured to complete its customizationand test functions in an automated manner, thereafter, to provide aresult from processor 1104 using an indication section 1110. As anexample, a green light 1112 and a red light 1114 may give a pass/failindication as to the status of the particular Storage Element. Moredetailed information may be provided, as desired, by using an LCDdisplay (not shown), for example, to isolate problematic manufacturingconcerns.

[0154] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, having described test board1100 and its general use with Storage Element 320, a number ofassociated advantages and features will now be described. It isimportant to appreciate that the functionality required to customizechannel IC 500 is not required in device 300. The customization processneed only be performed one time during manufacturing since thecustomized channel, in accordance with the present invention, remainswith the Storage Element. This feature results in savings with regard tomanufacturing costs associated with device 300. Moreover, anyfunctionality of controller 1104 directed to the customization andtesting process are not needed in device 300. The reader will recallthat processing arrangement 320 of device 300 executes the native codeof the Storage Element. Essentially, processing arrangement 302 servesin one role as a controller, without the need for test functionalitywhich is needed in controller 1104. In this regard, any requirements foran upgraded processor in the end device, in order to execute channelprogramming, are avoided. It should be appreciated that the presentinvention contemplates a pre-existing compatibility between prior artdevices and the Storage Element of the present invention. That is, asdescribed above, processing power dedicated to the operation of theStorage Element may be deliberately limited to unused capabilities ofprocessors already present in the architecture of a particular device.At the same time, the teachings of the present invention are readilypracticed in “upgraded” devices, yet to be developed, in a way whichprovides even further performance enhancements in these devices.

[0155] Another advantage, with regard to test board 1100 and which isdirectly applicable to consideration of cost-reduction, is found on thebasis that a limited number of test boards are needed within the contextof any one overall manufacturing process. That is, the required numberof test boards is limited by the number of Storage Elements availablefor channel programming at any one point in time. In this way, a singletest board may be used over time to channel program and test a greatnumber of Storage Elements. It should be appreciated that, in theabsence of this arrangement, savings attendant to elimination of theneed for a controller in Storage Element 320 would be offset wherein atest board was usable on only a single or very limited number ofoccasions.

[0156] A further advantage is provided by the present invention due toits compatibility with traditional manufacturing and test procedures. Inparticular, only two, almost insignificant steps are added to themanufacturing process in which test board 1100 is first physicallyconnected with a Storage Element and then, after channel programming andtesting, disconnected from that Storage Element. In this regard, itshould be appreciated that cost savings provided in an end use devicecan be far outweighed where a sufficiently significant revamping of themanufacturing process is needed to produce that cost savings.

[0157] Turning now to FIG. 14, attention is now directed to anotherembodiment of the digital storage element of the present invention whichis generally indicated by the reference number 1200. It is to beunderstood that the various figures are drawn in a way that is intendedto enhance understanding and, hence, are not to scale. Moreover,descriptive positional terminology such as “upper”, “lower” and “bottom”is founded only on the views seen in the various figures and in no wayimposes restrictions as to actual orientations of the structuresreferred to either in this description or in the appended claims. To theextent that Storage Element 1200 includes components that resemble thosedescribed above, at least from a functional standpoint, suchdescriptions will not be repeated. Similar components may be referred tousing like reference numbers or using identical nomenclature. While FIG.14 illustrates the addition of a latching arrangement 1201, StorageElement 1200 differs from previously described Storage Element 320primarily with respect to a base supported flexible circuit arrangement1202 which itself supports a “floating”, ramp arrangement 1220 that isnevertheless positioned with highly controlled tolerances with respectto other components, as will be described in detail immediatelyhereinafter.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 15 in conjunction with FIG. 14, the former isan exploded, perspective view selectively illustrating components ofStorage Element 1200 including a base plate 1222, a flexible circuitstiffener 1224, forming part of flexible circuit arrangement 1202 andramp arrangement 1220 in a spaced apart relationship in order to showdetails with regard to these particular components that are not readilyobservable in the assembly view of FIG. 14. As is visible in FIG. 14,flexible circuit stiffener 1224 supports a flexible circuit 1226 which,among other functions, extends to form dynamic loop 330 c and to form anexternal connector 1228 (only partially visible) arranged along a sidemargin of the storage element.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 14-16, flexible circuit stiffener 1224 isfixedly attached to base plate 1222 by initially inserting a pair ofbendable fastening tabs 1230 through corresponding tab openings 1232that are defined in flexible circuit stiffener 1224 such that the lowersurface of the stiffener rests against a number of support surfaces 1240(FIG. 15) that are integrally formed as portions of base plate 1222.Tabs 1230 are shown in an inserted, pre-bent condition in FIGS. 14 and16. FIG. 14 further illustrates a fastener arrangement 1247 that isinserted in a through hole 1248, seen in FIG. 16 defined by stiffener1224 at one end thereof. Fastener arrangement 1247 extends into afastener opening 1249 (FIG. 15), which is threaded in the presentexample, so as to fixedly support the associated end of the stiffenerand which further serves as a ground connection to the base plate fromflexible circuit 1226.

[0160] Turning to FIG. 17, tabs 1230 (one of which is shown) are bent soas to capture flexible circuit 1226 and flexible circuit stiffener 1224between an end portion of each bendable tab and support surfaces 1240(FIG. 15) therebeneath. It should be appreciated that this arrangementis not intended to eliminate movement of the flexible circuit in a waywhich sets any critical tolerances with respect to ramp arrangement1220, even though the ramp arrangement is directly supported by flexiblecircuit stiffener 1224 and only indirectly supported by base plate 1222.That is, ramp arrangement 1220 is permitted to float or move with arelatively low degree of tolerance control with respect to flexiblecircuit stiffener 1224, while the position of the ramp relative to thebase plate is maintained using significantly tighter and acceptabletolerances that are controlled in other highly advantageous ways. Itshould be appreciated that the tolerance control available with respectto controlling the position of the flexible circuit stiffener wouldresult in a unacceptably loose level of tolerance control if the ramparrangement was immovably fixed onto the flexible circuit stiffener. Inthis regard, it is submitted that the floating ramp arrangement of thepresent invention may be physically implemented in an unlimited numberof ways while remaining within the purview of these broad teachings.Accordingly, all of such alternative implementations are considered asbeing at least equivalent with respect to the appended claims. 6

[0161] With collective reference to FIGS. 14-19, attention is nowdirected to details with regard to ramp arrangement 1220. FIGS. 15 and16, illustrate ramp arrangement 1220 prior to installation, FIG. 17illustrates an intermediate step in the installation of the ramp, andFIGS. 14, 18, 19 and 20 show the ramp arrangement installed at least inthe flexible circuit arrangement. As best illustrated by FIGS. 17-19,ramp arrangement 1220 is formed primarily of two portions including anattachment and indexing arrangement made up of a T-lock configuration1250 and a locking arm 1252, cooperating to attach and hold the ramp inits intended operational position on the flexible circuit stiffener, anda ramp portion 1254. The indexing arrangement includes an indexing pin1256, seen in detail in FIG. 19, which will be described in furtherdetail below.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 20, flexible circuit stiffener1224 defines a T-lock through hole 1260 that is configured for receivingT-lock configuration 1250 of the ramp arrangement. FIG. 17 illustratesthe ramp arrangement initially inserted into T-lock through hole 1260.This insertion simultaneously causes indexing pin 1256 of the ramparrangement to be inserted into an indexing recess 1262 (FIGS. 15 and20) that is defined by base plate 1222 having an indexing through hole1263 defined therein. It should be appreciated that a high level oftolerance control is generally available with respect to the dimensionsseen in base plate 1222 whether formed as a casting or, as seen here, bystamping. Accordingly, indexing recess 1262 and indexing through hole1263 are precisely located not only in the major plane of the baseplate, but the dimensions of the indexing recess, including the depth ofits floor 1264 (FIG. 20), are precisely controllable.

[0163] Following the initial engagement between ramp arrangement 1220and flexible circuit stiffener 1224, as depicted in FIG. 17, the ramparrangement is rotated in a direction that is indicated by an arrow(adjacent to the ramp arrangement in FIG. 17) to the locked positionshown in FIGS. 14 and 18 as well as shown in the bottom, perspectiveview of FIG. 19. Ramp arrangement 1220 is formed from a material havingresilient characteristics such as, for example, liquid crystal polymer(LCP) and acetal impregnated with PTFE. Rotation is terminated when asupport slot 1265 (best seen in FIG. 19) engages a side margin 1266(shown as a dashed line) of the flexible circuit stiffener.Concurrently, a locking pin 1268, which is formed on a distal end oflocking arm 1252 snaps into a locking aperture 1270 that is defined byflexible circuit stiffener 1224. Prior to snapping into the lockingaperture and at least during initial engagement between slot 1265 of theramp arrangement and side margin 1266 of the stiffener, locking pin 1268is resiliently biased against the major surface of the flexible circuitstiffener proximate to locking aperture 1270 as a result of resilientdeformation of locking arm 1252. Once in the locked position, lockingpin 1268, locking arm 1252 and the flexible circuit stiffener arecooperatively configured such that slot 1265 is resiliently androtationally biased into side margin 1266 of the flexible circuitstiffener. At the same time, slot 1265, like T-lock configuration 1250,serves to limit movement of the ramp arrangement in directions having acomponent of motion that is normal to the plane of the flexible circuitstiffener. It should be appreciated that slot 1265 is optional, as onepotential modification. Moreover, any number of alternative structuralexpedients may be employed to floatingly lock the ramp arrangement inplace so long as the broad teachings herein are relied upon. Forexample, the T-lock configuration may be replaced with any suitable slotand groove arrangement. It is worthwhile to note, however, that thedescribed locking arrangement is considered as being highly advantageousat least for the reason that it is fastenerless, as will be furtherdescribed, although this is not a requirement since many techniques mayrely on fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, to provide for relativemovement between two attached components.

[0164] In one alternative method of assembly, with reference to FIGS.14-19, T-lock configuration 1250 of the ramp arrangement is initiallyinserted into T-lock through hole 1260 in stiffener 1224. The ramp isthen rotated (FIG. 19) about indexing pin 1256 such that slot 1265engages side margin 1266 as locking pin 1268 snaps into locking pinaperture 1270. Thereafter, indexing pin 1256 engages indexing rampindexing through hole 1263 in indexing recess 1262 as flexible circuitarrangement 1202 is positioned onto bendable tabs 1230. The latter arethen bent to hold the flexible circuit assembly in position.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 20, attention is now directed to this greatlyenlarged cross-sectional view for purposes of describing detailsrelating to positioning tolerances that are controlled. Specifically,the opposing arms of T-lock configuration 1250 include opposing upperand lower surfaces 1270 and 1272, respectively. A first distance orthickness A, of the T-lock arms, between the upper and lower surfacesthereof, is greater than a second distance between floor 1264 ofindexing recess 1262 and a lower surface 1274 of flexible circuit 1226,prior to installation of ramp arrangement 1220. That is, distance B isestablished with flexible circuit arrangement 1202 held against supportsurfaces 1240 (FIG. 15) by bendable tabs 1230 and fastener arrangement1248. Because flexible circuit stiffener 1224 is formed from a resilientmaterial such as, for example, stainless steel and flexible circuit 1226is extremely flexible relative to the stiffener, rotating ramparrangement 1220 to its locked position applies a resultant force in adirection that is indicated by an arrow 1280 so as to resiliently biaslower surfaces 1272 of the T-lock arms against floor 1264 of indexingrecess 1262. At the same time, tolerance control is establishedlaterally between the sidewall of ramp indexing through hole 1263 andthe sidewall of ramp indexing pin 1256. Accordingly, a first controlledtolerance, relative to the housing and actuator arm pivot, is achievedin the plane of the flexible circuit stiffener for an axis of rotation1282 of the ramp arrangement. Moreover, a second controlled tolerance isachieved normal to the stiffener plane, relative to the housing andactuator arm pivot, so as to control distance of ramp 1254 from baseplate 1222 with no direct attachment between the two. The fastenerlessattachment of ramp arrangement 1220 to flexible circuit stiffener 1224is highly advantageous in providing the desired floating response aswell as reduction of production costs and in eliminating contaminationproblems such as are inherent in the use of threaded fasteners. Controlof rotational tolerance about axis 1282 will be described immediatelyhereinafter. In a sense, the floating ramp positioning arrangement ofthe present invention can be considered as automatically positioning theramp arrangement since tolerance control is exclusively based on thedimensions of the base plate and ramp arrangement. No ramp alignmentinstallation procedure is needed.

[0166] Turning to FIG. 18, ramp arrangement 1220 is shown rotated intoits aforedescribed locked position. Actuator arm 344 is shown in itsparked position having a load tip 1290 located approximately along axisof rotation 1282. Ramp 1254 is designed having an intended contact point1292 at which load tip 1290 is intended to initially contact the rampwhen moving to the parked position and intended to lose contact whenmoving away from the parked position. Intended contact point 1292 isshown arranged along a centerline 1294 of ramp 1254. Tolerances withrespect to movement of an actual contact point along the sloped surfaceof ramp 1254 towards and away from axis 1282 are controlled directly bythe aforementioned first and second control tolerances that aredescribed with respect to FIG. 20 above. Rotational tolerance of ramparrangement 1220 about axis 1282, however, primarily controls side toside positioning of the actual contact point on the ramp in a directionthat is normal to centerline 1294 in the plane of the ramp surface. Anexaggerated angle of rotation, θ, illustrates an arbitrary rotation ofthe ramp arrangement about axis 1282 such that actual contact point 1296is at the edge of the ramp surface. In this regard, because thecontemplated rotational movement of the actual contact point is in adirection that is at least generally normal to centerline 1294, therotational tolerance for the actual contact point about axis 1282 isresponsive to the cosine of θ. This arrangement is considered as beinghighly advantageous in providing for a third controlled tolerance of theactual contact point that is dramatically reduced for a given rotationalpositioning error. For example, a large value of rotational positioningerror, such as 15 degrees, yields a positional error of only 0.034multiplied by the radial distance between the target point and axis1282.

[0167] Having described the floating ramp embodiment of the presentinvention in detail, it is worthwhile to now briefly consider the priorart. In this regard, Applicants are unaware of any similar ramp typestructure. For example, the aforedescribed Morehouse patent describes aramp that is fixedly, directly attached to the housing. It is submittedthat prior art ramp arrangements, as exemplified by Morehouse, aredirectly and rigidly attached to an associated base plate as a result ofa perception that such an attachment provides the only suitablemechanism for the required tolerance control. Particularly in view ofsuch a perception, it is readily apparent that the originalimplementation of the floating ramp arrangement of the presentinvention, as well as the recognition of its attendant advantages, isneither trivial nor obvious.

[0168] Since the Storage Element, devices in which the Storage Elementis used and associated method disclosed herein may be provided in avariety of different configurations and the method may be practiced in avariety of different ways, it should be understood that the presentinvention may be embodied in many other specific ways without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the presentexamples and methods are to be considered as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital data storage apparatus, comprising: ahousing defining a housing interior; a rotatable magnetic mediasupported for rotation within the housing interior; a head arrangementsupported within the housing interior, including an actuator armconfigured for pivotally accessing the rotatable media and for pivotallymoving to a parked position from an access position; a flexible circuitarrangement including a flexible circuit stiffener which is directlyattached to said housing within the housing interior, said flexiblecircuit stiffener having a major surface defining a stiffener plane; anda ramp arrangement that is directly attachable to the flexible circuitstiffener and which ramp arrangement is configured for receiving theactuator arm in said parked position when so attached, said ramparrangement further including an indexing arrangement for engaging thehousing in a way which positions the ramp arrangement within at leastone controlled tolerance relative to the head arrangement.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a base plate and saidflexible circuit stiffener is directly attached to the base plate so asto indirectly support the ramp arrangement on said base plate.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said ramp arrangement is formed including afirst portion for receiving the actuator arm in said parked position anda second portion for attaching the ramp arrangement to the flexiblecircuit stiffener.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said ramparrangement is integrally formed including said first and secondportions and said indexing arrangement.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said indexing arrangement of the ramp arrangement and saidflexible circuit stiffener are cooperatively configured such thatattachment of the ramp arrangement to the flexible circuit stiffenercaptures at least a portion of the indexing arrangement between thehousing and the flexible circuit stiffener so as to resiliently bias theindexing arrangement against the housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5wherein said indexing arrangement is resiliently biased in a way whichestablishes a first controlled tolerance between the ramp arrangementand the housing in a direction that is at least generally normal to thestiffener plane.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said housingdefines a ramp indexing recess and said indexing arrangement of saidramp arrangement includes a ramp indexing pin which is resilientlybiased into the ramp indexing recess to locate the ramp indexing pinwith said first controlled tolerance.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said indexing arrangement is configured for cooperating withsaid housing to position an indexing location on the ramp arrangementwithin a first controlled tolerance in the stiffener plane.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein said housing defines a ramp indexing recessand said indexing arrangement of said ramp arrangement includes a rampindexing pin which is receivable in the ramp indexing recess to locatethe ramp indexing pin in the stiffener plane with said first controlledtolerance.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the ramp arrangement isrotatable from an initial position, with the ramp indexing pin receivedin the ramp indexing recess, to a locked position at which said firstcontrolled tolerance is provided and wherein said indexing arrangementand said flexible circuit stiffener are cooperatively configured suchthat rotation of the ramp arrangement to the locked position resilientlybiases the ramp indexing pin into the ramp indexing recess by capturingat least a portion of the ramp indexing arrangement between the housingand the flexible circuit stiffener to establish a second controlledtolerance between the ramp arrangement and the housing in a directionthat is at least generally normal to the stiffener plane.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9 wherein the ramp arrangement is rotatable from aninitial position with the ramp indexing pin initially received in theramp indexing recess to a locked position and said flexible circuitstiffener includes a side margin and wherein said ramp arrangementincludes a stop configuration for engaging the side margin in a waywhich at least prevents further rotation of the ramp arrangement intothe side margin.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said stopconfiguration defines a slot for receiving the side margin of theflexible circuit stiffener thereby preventing further rotation of theramp arrangement into the flexible circuit stiffener and further servingin the locked position to limit movement of the ramp arrangement in adirection that is at least generally normal to the stiffener plane. 13.The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the ramp arrangement is rotatable froman initial position, with the ramp indexing pin received in the rampindexing recess, to a locked position which provides said firstcontrolled tolerance and wherein the actuator arm is intended to contactsaid ramp arrangement at a target landing point when moving to saidparked position with the ramp in said locked position and a radial lineis defined between the target landing point and the ramp indexing pin inthe locked position such that an angle of rotation about the rampindexing pin moves an actual landing point on the ramp arrangement awayfrom the target landing point responsive to a cosine of the angle ofrotation.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said second portion ofsaid ramp arrangement includes a locking pin which is laterally spacedfrom said ramp indexing pin and said flexible circuit stiffener definesa locking pin aperture such that the locking pin is positionable in thelocking pin aperture by rotating the ramp arrangement to the lockedposition about the ramp indexing pin to resiliently rotationally biasthe ramp arrangement against the flexible circuit stiffener in a waywhich rotationally fixes the position of the ramp arrangement in thestiffener plane and wherein said angle of rotation is controlled atleast in part by a second controlled tolerance between the locking pinand the locking pin aperture.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein theramp arrangement is at least initially rotatable about the ramp indexingpin with the ramp indexing pin received in the ramp indexing recess foruse in installing the ramp arrangement on the flexible circuitstiffener.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the ramp arrangement isrotatable from an initial position, with the ramp indexing pinrotationally received in the ramp indexing recess, to a locked positionand the flexible circuit stiffener defines a through opening forreceiving the ramp indexing pin prior to insertion of the ramp indexingpin into the ramp indexing recess.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 whereinthe ramp indexing pin and the through opening of the flexible circuitstiffener include a T-lock configuration for cooperating with saidhousing to limit movement of the ramp arrangement in the locked positionin a direction that is at least generally normal to the stiffener plane.18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said ramp indexing pin includes apair of opposing, outwardly extending locking arms as part of saidT-lock configuration.
 19. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the ramparrangement is at least initially rotatable about the indexing locationfrom an initial position to a locked position and the flexible circuitstiffener and the ramp arrangement cooperatively define a lockingarrangement to fix a rotational position of the ramp arrangement aboutthe indexing location within a second controlled tolerance.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein said locking arrangement includes alocking pin which is laterally spaced from said ramp indexing pin andsaid flexible circuit stiffener defines a locking pin aperture such thatthe locking pin is positionable in the locking pin aperture by rotatingthe ramp arrangement to the locked position about the ramp indexing pinto resiliently rotationally bias a contact area of the ramp arrangementagainst the flexible circuit stiffener in a way which rotationally fixesthe position of the ramp arrangement in the stiffener plane.
 21. Adigital data storage apparatus, comprising: a housing defining a housinginterior and including a base plate defining an indexing recess; arotatable magnetic media supported on the base plate for rotation withinthe housing interior; a head arrangement including an elongated actuatorarm configured for pivotally accessing the rotatable media within thehousing interior and for pivotally moving to a parked position from anaccess position; a flexible circuit arrangement including a flexiblecircuit stiffener which is fixedly attached to said base plate, saidflexible circuit stiffener including a side margin and having at leastone major surface defining a stiffener plane, said flexible circuitstiffener further defining a through-opening passing through said majorsurface and a locking pin aperture which is laterally spaced from saidthrough-opening; and a ramp arrangement that is integrally formedincluding (i) a first portion for receiving the actuator arm in saidparked position, (ii) a second portion receivable in saidthrough-opening for attaching the ramp arrangement directly to theflexible circuit stiffener such that the ramp arrangement is indirectlysupported by said base plate, (iii) an indexing pin for receipt in theindexing recess and (iv) a locking pin that is laterally spaced apartfrom said indexing pin; an attachment arrangement forming one part ofsaid second portion and another part of the through opening of theflexible circuit stiffener, both of which are cooperatively arranged ina T-lock configuration, for resiliently biasing the indexing pin intothe indexing recess in the locked position at least to establish a firstcontrolled tolerance of the ramp arrangement relative to the housing andhead arrangment in a direction that is at least generally normal to thestiffener plane and to fix said ramp indexing pin in the stiffener planewithin a second controlled tolerance with the ramp arrangement beingrotatable from an initial position with the ramp indexing pin initiallyreceived in the ramp indexing recess to a locked position and furtherincluding a stop configuration, for engaging the side margin of theflexible circuit arrangement in a way which at least prevents furtherrotation of the ramp arrangement into the side margin, said locking pinrotatably moving with the ramp arrangement to the locked position suchthat the locking pin is positionable in the locking pin aperture toresiliently rotationally bias the stop configuration of the ramparrangement against the flexible circuit stiffener, said actuator armbeing intended to contact said ramp arrangement at a target contactpoint when moving to said parked position, with the ramp arrangement inthe locked position, so that a radial line is defined between the targetcontact point and the ramp indexing pin such that an angle of rotationabout the ramp indexing pin moves an actual contact point on the ramparrangement responsive to a cosine of the angle of rotation and saidangle of rotation is controlled, at least in part, by a third controlledtolerance between the locking pin and the locking pin aperture.
 22. Inproducing a digital data storage apparatus, a method comprising thesteps of: providing a housing defining a housing interior and arotatable magnetic media supported for rotation within the housinginterior; configuring a head arrangement in the housing interior toinclude an actuator arm arranged for pivotally accessing the rotatablemedia and for pivotally moving to a parked position from an accessposition; directly attaching a flexible circuit stiffener, forming partof a flexible circuit arrangement, to said housing within the housinginterior, said flexible circuit stiffener having a major surfacedefining a stiffener plane; and providing a ramp arrangement that isdirectly attachable to the flexible circuit stiffener and which ramparrangement is configured for receiving the actuator arm in said parkedposition when so attached, and configuring said ramp arrangement forengaging the housing using an indexing arrangement in a way whichpositions the ramp arrangement with at least one controlled tolerancerelative to the head arrangement.
 23. The method of claim 22 whereinsaid housing includes a base plate and the step of directly attachingthe flexible circuit stiffener attaches the flexible circuit stiffenerdirectly to the base plate such that said base plate indirectly supportsthe ramp arrangement.
 24. The method of claim 22 including the step offorming said ramp arrangement including a first portion for receivingthe actuator arm in said parked position and a second portion forattaching the ramp arrangement to the flexible circuit stiffener. 25.The method of claim 24 wherein the step of forming the ramp arrangementintegrally forms the ramp arrangement having the first portion, thesecond portion and the indexing arrangement.
 26. The method of claim 22wherein said flexible circuit stiffener includes at least one majorsurface defining a stiffener plane and including the step ofcooperatively configuring said second portion of the ramp arrangementand said flexible circuit stiffener such that attachment of the ramparrangement to the flexible circuit stiffener captures at least aportion of the indexing arrangement between the housing and the flexiblecircuit stiffener to resiliently bias the indexing arrangement againstthe housing.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the resilient biasingstep biases the indexing arrangement against the housing in a way whichestablishes a first controlled tolerance between the ramp arrangementand the housing in a direction that is at least generally normal to thestiffener plane.
 28. The method of claim 27 including the steps ofdefining a ramp indexing recess using said housing and forming a rampindexing pin as part of the indexing arrangement of said ramparrangement for resiliently biasing the indexing pin into the rampindexing recess to locate the ramp indexing pin, and thereby the ramparrangement, with said first controlled tolerance.
 29. The method ofclaim 22 including the step of configuring said indexing arrangement forcooperating with said housing to position an indexing location on theramp arrangement with a first controlled tolerance in the stiffenerplane.
 30. The method of claim 29 including the steps of forming saidhousing to define a ramp indexing recess and forming said indexingarrangement of said ramp arrangement to include a ramp indexing pinwhich is resiliently biased into the ramp indexing recess by attachmentof the ramp arrangement to the flexible circuit stiffener to fix theramp indexing pin with said first controlled tolerance.
 31. The methodof claim 30 including the steps of rotating the ramp arrangement from aninitial position, with the ramp indexing pin initially received in theramp indexing recess, to a locked position at which said firstcontrolled tolerance is provided and cooperatively configuring saidindexing arrangement and said flexible circuit stiffener such thatrotation of the ramp arrangement to the locked position resilientlybiases the ramp indexing pin into the ramp indexing recess by capturingat least a portion of the ramp indexing arrangement between the housingand the flexible circuit stiffener to establish a second controlledtolerance between the ramp arrangement and the housing in a directionthat is at least generally normal to the stiffener plane.
 32. The methodof claim 30 wherein said flexible circuit stiffener includes a sidemargin and said method includes the steps of rotating the ramparrangement from an initial position, with the ramp indexing pininitially received in the ramp indexing recess, to a locked positionsuch that a stop configuration of the ramp arrangement engages the sidemargin of the flexible circuit stiffener in a way which at leastprevents further rotation of the ramp arrangement into the side margin.33. The method of claim 30 including the steps of rotating the ramparrangement from an initial position, with the ramp indexing pinreceived in the ramp indexing opening, to a locked position andconfiguring said flexible circuit stiffener and said ramp indexing pinto cooperatively limit movement of the ramp arrangement, in said lockedposition, in a direction that is at least generally normal to thestiffener plane.
 34. The method of claim 30 including the steps ofrotating the ramp arrangement from an initial position, with the rampindexing pin initially received in the ramp indexing recess, to a lockedposition and arranging said flexible circuit stiffener to include a sidemargin and forming said second portion of the ramp arrangement toinclude a stop configuration for engaging the side margin in a way whichat least prevents further rotation of the ramp arrangement into the sidemargin.
 35. The method of claim 30 including the steps of configuringsaid stop configuration to define a slot for receiving the side marginof the flexible circuit arrangement thereby preventing further rotationof the ramp arrangement and further serving in the locked position tolimit movement of the ramp arrangement in a direction that is at leastgenerally normal to the stiffener plane.
 36. The method of claim 30including the steps of rotating the ramp arrangement from an initialposition, with the ramp indexing pin received in the ramp indexingrecess, to a locked position which provides said first controlledtolerance such that the actuator arm is intended to contact said ramparrangement at a target landing point when moving to said parkedposition with the ramp in said locked position and so that a radial lineis defined between the target landing point and the ramp indexing pin inthe locked position causing an angle of rotation about the ramp indexingpin, in the locked position, to move an actual landing point on the ramparrangement away from the target landing point responsive to a cosine ofthe angle of rotation.
 37. The method of claim 36 including the step ofconfiguring said ramp arrangement to include a locking pin which islaterally spaced from said ramp indexing pin and defining a locking pinaperture in said flexible circuit stiffener such that the locking pin ispositionable in the locking pin aperture by rotating the ramparrangement to the locked position about the ramp indexing pin toresiliently rotationally bias the ramp arrangement against the flexiblecircuit stiffener in a way which rotationally fixes the position of theramp arrangement in the stiffener plane and wherein said angle ofrotation is controlled, at least in part, by a second specifiedtolerance between the locking pin and the locking pin aperture.
 38. Themethod of claim 30 including the step of configuring the ramparrangement to be at least initially rotatable about the ramp indexingpin with the ramp indexing pin received in the ramp indexing recess foruse in installing the ramp arrangement on the flexible circuitstiffener.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the ramp arrangement isconfigured for rotation from an initial position, with the ramp indexingpin rotationally received in the ramp indexing recess, to a lockedposition and including the step of defining a through opening in theflexible circuit stiffener for receiving the ramp indexing pin prior toinsertion of the ramp indexing pin into the ramp indexing recess. 40.The method of claim 39 including the step of arranging the ramp indexingpin and the through opening of the flexible circuit stiffener to includea T-lock configuration for cooperating with said housing to limitmovement of the ramp arrangement in the locked position in a directionthat is at least generally normal to the stiffener plane.
 41. The methodof claim 30 including the steps of configuring the ramp arrangement forrotation about the indexing location from an initial position to alocked position and forming the flexible circuit stiffener and saidsecond portion of the ramp arrangement to cooperatively fix a rotationalposition of the ramp arrangement about the indexing location within asecond controlled tolerance.
 42. The method of claim 41 including thesteps of forming said second portion of said ramp arrangement to includea locking pin which is laterally spaced from said ramp indexing pin andfurther forming said flexible circuit stiffener to define a locking pinaperture such that the locking pin is positionable in the locking pinaperture by rotating the ramp arrangement to the locked position aboutthe indexing location to at least generally rotationally fix theposition of the ramp arrangement in the stiffener plane.